System and method for targeted neurological therapy using brainwave entrainment

ABSTRACT

A system and method for brainwave entrainment therapy that allows for targeted treatment of particular areas of the brain, particular neurological functions, particular neurological states, and combinations of areas, functions, and states. The system and method receive a neurological assessment identifying areas of the brain or neurological functions to be treated, select one or more treatment modalities and frequencies, select a treatment regimen, and apply brainwave entrainment using the modalities, frequencies and regimen while the subject engages in dual-task activities selected to stimulate the areas of the brain, neurological functions, or neurological states to be treated, enhanced, or altered.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority is claimed in the application data sheet to the followingpatents or patent applications, the entire written description of eachof which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

Ser. No. 17/030,233

Ser. No. 16/951,281

Ser. No. 17/030,195

Ser. No. 16/781,663

Ser. No. 16/354,374

Ser. No. 16/176,511

Ser. No. 16/011,394

Ser. No. 15/853,746

Ser. No. 15/219,115

Ser. No. 15/193,112

Ser. No. 15/187,787

Ser. No. 15/175,043

62/330,602

62/330,642

62/310,568

Ser. No. 14/846,966

Ser. No. 14/012,879

61/696,068

Ser. No. 16/927,704

Ser. No. 16/867,238

Ser. No. 16/793,915

Ser. No. 16/233,034

62/697,973

Ser. No. 16/255,641

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Art

The disclosure relates to the field of health devices, and moreparticularly to devices and methods for rehabilitative and preventativeneurological therapies.

Discussion of the State of the Art

Research increasingly highlights the importance of continuedneurological stimulation throughout all stages of life includingphysical activity, social connection, and frequent cognitive challenge,especially when combined, in preventing early cognitive decline andonset of neurological disorders including Dementia. As well, athletesand competitors in various fields such as physical, digital, andcognitive competitions are increasingly seeking well rounded methods ofneurological evaluation and conditioning for tasks directly andindirectly related to their mode of competition.

Recent research on mice suggests that administration of light and soundat frequencies of gamma oscillations (30 Hz to 100 Hz) can help delaythe onset of neurological decline or even cause neurologicalregeneration through gamma entrainment (see, Adaikkan et al., GammaEntrainment Binds Higher-Order Brain Regions and Offers Neuroprotection,2019, Neuron 102, 929-943, Jun. 5, 2019, and Martorell et al.,Multi-sensory Gamma Stimulation Ameliorates Alzheimer's-AssociatedPathology and Improves Cognition, 2019, Cell 177, 256-271, Apr. 4,2019). These studies have suggested that light and/or sound-based gammaentrainment causes physical changes in the brain by stimulatingoscillations in the electrochemical state of neurons in a way thatreduces inflammation and increases synaptic density, and have suggestedthat gamma entrainment using simultaneous application of light and soundhas a greater effect than gamma entrainment using only light or soundindividually. The physical changes observed included reductions inamyloid plaques and tau phosphorylation, and decreases in neuronal andsynaptic losses.

However, the studies performed to date are generalized in nature and donot provide specific systems or methods whereby this knowledge may beapplied to humans. Further, these studies do not suggest any means fortargeting the particular areas of the brain or particular neurologicalfunctionality affected by certain neurological disorders. These studiesalso fail to consider application of gamma entrainment throughstimulation other than light or sound or application of multi-modalgamma entrainment other than simultaneous application of light andsound. Additionally, these studies do not explore the effects oftreatment regimens of entrainment to frequencies inducing brain activityother than gamma waves or utilizing a combination of frequencies atvarious intervals.

What is needed is a system and method for application of brainwaveentrainment therapies to humans that allows for targeted and adjustabletreatment of particular areas of the brain, particular neurologicalfunctions, and/or states.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the inventor has conceived and reduced to practice, asystem and method for brainwave entrainment therapy that allows fortargeted treatment of particular areas of the brain, particularneurological functions, particular neurological states, and combinationsof areas, functions, and states. The system and method receive aneurological assessment identifying areas of the brain, neurologicalfunctions, or neurological states to be treated, select one or moretreatment modalities (e.g., light therapy, sound therapy, vibrationaltherapy, electrical therapy, or combinations of such modalities), selectone or more treatment frequencies, select a treatment regimen (e.g.,dual-task stimulation to be performed, amplification or supplementation,level of immersion, level of intensity, etc.), and apply brainwaveentrainment using the modalities and regimen while the subject engagesin dual-task activities selected to stimulate the areas of the brain,neurological functions, or neurological states to be treated, enhanced,or altered.

According to a preferred embodiment, a system for targeted neurologicaltherapy is disclosed, comprising: a computing device comprising amemory, a processor, and a non-volatile data storage device; aneurological function database stored on the non-volatile data storagedevice, the neurological function database comprising information aboutassociations between neurological conditions, primary tasks, andassociative activities; a stimulation transducer; and a softwareapplication, comprising a first plurality of programming instructionsstored in the memory and operating on the processor, wherein the firstplurality of programming instructions, when operating on the processor,causes the computing device to: receive a neurological assessment for anindividual comprising a neurological condition of the individual; selecta primary task from the neurological function database associated withthe neurological condition; select an associative activity from theneurological function database associated with the neurologicalcondition; assign a dual task stimulation for the individual to perform,the dual task stimulation comprising the primary task and theassociative activity; select a brainwave entrainment therapy forapplication while the individual is engaged in the dual taskstimulation, the therapy comprising a stimulation frequency; and applythe brainwave entrainment therapy by operating the stimulationtransducer at the stimulation frequency while the individual is engagedin the dual task stimulation.

According to another preferred embodiment, a method for targetedneurological therapy is disclosed, comprising the steps of: receiving aneurological assessment for an individual comprising a neurologicalcondition of the individual; selecting a primary task from aneurological function database associated with the neurologicalcondition; selecting an associative activity from a neurologicalfunction database associated with the neurological condition; assigninga dual task stimulation for the individual to perform, the dual taskstimulation comprising the primary task and the associative activity;selecting a brainwave entrainment therapy for application while theindividual is engaged in the dual task stimulation, the therapycomprising a stimulation frequency; and applying the brainwaveentrainment therapy by operating the stimulation transducer at thestimulation frequency while the individual is engaged in the dual taskstimulation.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, the primary task is physicalexercise and further comprising the step of having the individualperform the physical exercise on an exercise machine.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, the stimulation transducer is atransducer configured to provide either visual, auditory, vibratory, orelectrical stimulation.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, the brainwave entrainmenttherapy comprises operating the stimulation transducer to provide eithervisual, auditory, vibratory, or electrical stimulation at a stimulationfrequency between 0.5 Hz and 100 Hz.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, the brainwave entrainmenttherapy is applied using a plurality of transducers wherein at least twotransducers are of different modalities.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, the brainwave entrainmenttherapy is applied using a plurality of transducers wherein at least twotransducers are of different scales.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, the brainwave entrainmenttherapy is applied using a plurality of transducers wherein at least twotransducers are of different modalities and at least two transducers areof different scales.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, the brainwave entrainmenttherapy is applied using a plurality of transducers, wherein at leasttwo transducers are operated at different stimulation frequencies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The accompanying drawings illustrate several embodiments of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention according to the embodiments. It will beappreciated by one skilled in the art that the particular embodimentsillustrated in the drawings are merely exemplary, and are not to beconsidered as limiting of the scope of the invention or the claimsherein in any way.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary variable-resistance exercisemachine with an embedded or a wireless computing device controlling theinteractive software applications of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top-down view of an exemplary variable-resistance exercisemachine with an embedded or a wireless computing device controlling theinteractive software applications of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system for a virtualreality or mixed reality enhanced exercise machine, illustrating the useof a plurality of connected smart devices and tethers, and showinginteraction via the user's body as a control stick.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary apparatus for natural torso trackingand feedback for electronic interaction, illustrating the use ofmultiple tethers and a movable torso harness.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a variety of alternate tetherarrangements.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an additional exemplary apparatus for naturaltorso tracking and feedback for electronic interaction, illustrating theuse of angle sensors to detect angled movement of tethers.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary apparatus for naturaltorso tracking and feedback for electronic interaction, illustrating theuse of multiple tethers and a movable torso harness comprising aplurality of angle sensors positioned within the movable torso harness.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary system architecture fornatural body interaction for mixed or virtual reality applications.

FIG. 9 is a block 1922 diagram of an exemplary system architecture for astationary exercise bicycle being connected over local connections to asmartphone, an output device other than a phone, and a server over anetwork, according to an aspect.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an exemplary hardware arrangement of a smartphone or computing device running a user identification component andcommunicating over a network, according to an aspect.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a method of mixed or virtual realitysoftware operating to receive input through different sources, and sendoutput to devices, according to an aspect.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary virtual reality or mixedreality enhanced exercise machine, illustrating the use of a pluralityof optical sensors to detect body movement of a user during use of anexercise machine.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary hardwarearchitecture of a computing device.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary logicalarchitecture for a client device.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an exemplary architecturalarrangement of clients, servers, and external services.

FIG. 16 is another block diagram illustrating an exemplary hardwarearchitecture of a computing device.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an exemplary virtual reality or mixedreality enhanced exercise machine, illustrating the use of a stationarybicycle with hand controls on the handles, and a belt-like harnessattachment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of another exemplary virtual reality or mixedreality enhanced exercise machine, illustrating the use of a treadmillexercise machine with a vest-type harness with a plurality of pistons toprovide a hardware-based torso joystick with full-body tracking.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of another exemplary virtual reality or mixedreality enhanced exercise machine, illustrating the use of a stationarybicycle with a vest-type harness with a plurality of strain sensors andtethers.

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for operatinga virtual and mixed-reality enhanced exercise machine.

FIG. 21 is a system diagram of a key components in the analysis of auser's range of motion and balance training.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a system for balance measurement and falldetection.

FIG. 23 is a system diagram of a sensor measuring the range of motion ofa user during a specific exercise.

FIG. 24 is a method diagram illustrating behavior and performance of keycomponents for range of motion analysis and balance training.

FIG. 25 is a composite functioning score spatial map showing therelative ability of an individual in several physical and mentalfunctional measurement areas.

FIG. 26 is an overall system architecture diagram for a neurologicalfunctioning analyzer.

FIG. 27 is a system architecture diagram for the data capture systemaspect of a neurological functioning analyzer.

FIG. 28 is a system architecture diagram for the range of motioncomparator aspect of a neurological functioning analyzer.

FIG. 29 is a system architecture diagram for the movement profileanalyzer aspect of a neurological functioning analyzer.

FIG. 30 is a system architecture diagram for the neurologicalfunctioning analyzer aspect of a neurological condition evaluator.

FIG. 31 is an exemplary human/machine interface and support system forusing body movements to interface with computers while engaging inexercise.

FIG. 32 is an exemplary method for application of the system to improvethe performance of a sports team.

FIG. 33 is a diagram of an exemplary brainwave entrainment therapydevice that can be attached to an exercise machine for targetedbrainwave entrainment therapy with light and/or sound using dual-taskingmethodologies.

FIG. 34 is a diagram of an exemplary brainwave entrainment therapysystem for targeted brainwave entrainment therapy that allows formulti-modal, multi-intensity treatment using dual-tasking methodologies.

FIG. 35 is a flow diagram showing an algorithm for selection ofmodalities and routines for targeted brainwave entrainment therapy usingdual-tasking methodologies.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an exemplary system architecture diagramfor targeted brainwave entrainment therapy using dual-taskingmethodologies.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing explaining the use of duty cycles and pulsewidth modulations in applying brainwave entrainment.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which on-screen elementsof a display are used to apply brainwave entrainment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventor has conceived, and reduced to practice, a system and methodfor brainwave entrainment therapy that allows for targeted treatment ofparticular areas of the brain, particular neurological functions,particular neurological states, and combinations of areas, functions,and states. The system and method receive a neurological assessmentidentifying areas of the brain, neurological functions, or neurologicalstates to be treated, enhanced, or altered, select one or more treatmentmodalities (e.g., light therapy, sound therapy, vibrational therapy,electrical therapy, or combinations of such modalities), select atreatment regimen (e.g., dual-task stimulation to be performed,amplification or supplementation, level of immersion, level ofintensity, etc.), and apply brainwave entrainment using the modalitiesand regimen while the subject engages in dual-task activities selectedto stimulate the areas of the brain, neurological functions, orneurological states to be treated.

As lifespans have improved in the past few decades, particularly in moredeveloped countries, the mean and median age of populations haveincreased. The greatest risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases isaging, so older persons are more likely to suffer from degenerativediseases and conditions affecting the nervous system such as amyotrophiclateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, fatalfamilial insomnia, Huntington's disease, Friedreich's ataxia, Lewy bodydisease, and spinal muscular atrophy. It has been estimated that some20-40% of healthy people between 60 and 78 years old experiencediscernable decrements in cognitive performance in one or more areasincluding working, spatial, and episodic memory, and cognitive speed.Early stages of neurodegenerative diseases are difficult to detect, thecauses of such diseases are not well understood, and treatments for suchdiseases are non-existent.

Without using one of the costly brain scan technologies, it remainsdifficult to detect, assess, and treat poor functioning of the nervoussystem, whether such poor functioning is due to injury to the brain,neurodegenerative disease, psychological or physical trauma, or changesin brain chemistry, diet, stress, substance abuse, or other factors. Forcertain neurological conditions, such as Chronic TraumaticEncephalopathy (CTE), none of the current brain scan technologies areable to reliably capture diagnostic data. Other neurological deficitsand conditions can be evaluated or diagnosed using assessments usingreadily available equipment and observational analysis, such as theCognitive Performance Test (CPT) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) but lackthe sensitivity suitable for nuanced or early deficit detection. Each ofthese types of poor nervous system function can impact different partsof the brain and/or nervous system in different ways. Due to thecomplexity of interactions in the nervous system and the brain's abilityto adapt its function in many areas, it remains difficult to detect poorfunctioning and to identify which neurological functions states andanatomical aspects and regions are impacted early enough to implement aneffective treatment protocol.

However, recent research studies have demonstrated that physicalactivity, especially aerobic exercise, can improve neurogenesis andother neurological functions and states, whether related to physicalbrain and nervous system impairments or mental health/emotional issues.In addition, evolutionary biologists have hypothesized that early humansbegan their cognitive revolution when they ventured into the Africansavannah and started walking upright. In fact, more recent researchstudies on the cerebellum, an ancient part of the brain that coordinatesthe motor control, have discovered unexpected connections between thecerebellum and other parts of the brain. Specifically, according to ateam of researchers from the University of Washington, only 20 percentof the cerebellum connections was dedicated to areas involved inphysical motion, while 80 percent was connected to areas involved infunctions and states such as abstract thinking, planning, emotion,memory and language. The cerebellum doesn't actually execute tasks likethinking, just as it doesn't directly control movement. Instead, itmonitors and coordinates the brain areas that are doing the work andmakes them perform better.

Therefore, simultaneous testing of primary physical tasks such aswalking or running and the associative activities that include variousmental, other physical activities as well as emotional experiences(commonly known as a dual task assessment), and the correlation ofresults therefrom can be used to evaluate specific neurologicalfunctional areas to create a profile of relative neurologicalfunctioning and see where deficiencies may be present. Therefore,changes in a person's walking gait while the person is engaged in otherassociative activities like solving a logic puzzle could be analyzed andcompared against the normal or average dual-tasking costs of the samepopulation group for relative functioning as well as anomalies. Suchanomalies for the given brain functions and states or regions could beindicative of abnormal central nervous system functions. Further, thecombination of the dual-tasked physical and associative activities canhelp identify the abnormally-performing neurological functions or evenhelp isolate affected neurological regions. For example, a walkinggait/logic puzzle dual-task activity may indicate normal functioning ina given individual, indicating that autonomous physical activity andcognition are not affected. However, in the same individual another dualtask of walking and listening within a virtual reality (VR) environmentmay result in gait changes or a complete stop of the walk as theneurological functions required for these tasks are different fromwalking and logic. In this case, it may indicate that there may beinjury to or degeneration of the auditory cortex of the temporal lobe,potentially informing further diagnostic procedures. As a result, asystem combining numerous combinations of various dual-taskingactivities, covering all neurological functions or regions, may be ableto evaluate, detect, and treat neurological deficits and conditions evenbefore they become noticeably symptomatic. For individuals for whomsymptoms are already present, such a system can evaluate and trackchanges over time, and potentially slow down or reverse the progressionof such deficits and conditions.

Using this same dual-tasking analysis, it is also possible to evaluate,detect, and treat neurological conditions and changes involving mentalhealth and emotional issues. For example, elevated heart rate, elevatedblood pressure, or chest pain during exercise that are higher than anindividual's normal history for these indicators can indicate emotionalstress. The addition of story-telling or emotional experiences throughcomputer games and/or simulations (and especially when such experiencesare virtual-reality experiences) can help to elicit emotional andphysiological responses or lack thereof. For example, a veteransuffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) could be trainedinside such a dual-tasking VR environment so that s/he can graduallyregain her/his agency by overcoming progressively challenging physicaland emotional scenarios—reactivating her/his dorsolateral prefrontalcortex and lateral nucleus of thalamus with the help of these combinedphysical and emotional activities (likely using parallel but notwar-based scenarios). As a result, the veteran could potentiallyextricate herself or himself from such traumatic experiences bydeveloping her/his closure stories.

The integration of a primary physical task with an associative activityis also especially well-suited for the evaluation and conditioning ofspecific aspects of neurological functioning in individuals training forphysical, mental, or combined forms of competition. After an initialarray of primary physical challenges and associated tasks designed toevaluate specific neurological functioning areas to create a profile ofrelative functioning a more thorough understanding of the competitor'sstrengths and weaknesses in their specific mode of competition can beachieved. With the help of a conditioning recommendation algorithm,expert input, and competitor input a regimen of physical and associativetasks specifically suited to improve performance of that competitor andmode of competition can be administered at prescribed or chosenfrequency. Digital challenges can further be customized for competitionand competitor specificity as the conditioning recommendation algorithmanalyzes the efficacy of conditioning regimens for users aiming toimprove in similar neurological functions and states, the specificuser's response to conditioning inputs over time, and expertrecommendations for users with similar neurological functioning profilesand objectives.

Further, as the dual-tasking methodologies described above stimulateactivity in certain portions of the brain corresponding to certainneurological functions and states, those same dual-tasking methodologiescan be used to apply targeted brainwave entrainment to the brain. Aftera neurological assessment has been made (whether or not throughdual-tasking analysis), a treatment regimen can be selected fortreatment of certain areas of the brain and/or specific neurologicalfunctions in which dual-task activities are selected which activate(i.e., stimulate) those areas of the brain and/or neurologicalfunctions, and brainwave entrainment is applied while those areas of thebrain and/or neurological functions and states are activated, thusconcentrating the effect of the brainwave entrainment on the activated(i.e., stimulated) areas or neurological functions. The targetedbrainwave entrainment therapy may be further enhanced by selectingmultiple treatment modalities (e.g., light, sound, vibration, electricalstimulation) applied either simultaneously or sequentially, by varyingthe frequency or frequencies of brainwave entrainment (e.g., from about0.5 Hz to about 100 Hz), and by varying the intensity and/or scale ofthe treatment (e.g., from subtle, localized vibrational or electricalstimulation to area-wide, intense stimulation such as high-intensityroom lighting and sound).

There are many promising uses of brainwave entrainment. One promisinguse of brainwave entrainment is to treat and/or prevent epilepsy. Thereis some evidence that epileptic seizures occur when the brain falls intotheta wave activity (approximately 4 Hz to 8 Hz) during normal wakingconsciousness. Normal waking consciousness is typically associated withbeta wave brain activity (12 Hz to 38 Hz). Performing brainwaveentrainment at beta wave frequencies on persons with epilepsy may helpprevent them from falling into theta wave brain activity, thuspreventing seizures.

Another possible use for brainwave entrainment is to reduce agitation byperforming brainwave entrainment at alpha wave frequencies(approximately 8 Hz to 12 Hz). Alpha wave frequencies are those brainwave frequencies between theta wave activity (typically associated withdreaming) and beat wave activity (typically associated withconcentration and learning). Alpha wave frequencies are associated withrelaxation and calmness. Therefore, brainwave entrainment at alpha wavefrequencies may help induce relaxation and calmness.

Many different wave forms and/or pulse widths may be used in deliveringentrainment at the selected frequency or frequencies, regardless of themodality (light, sound, etc.) of the stimulation. Wave forms mayinclude, but are not limited to, rectangular wave forms, sine waveforms, triangular wave forms, and sawtooth wave forms. Pulse widths orduty cycles at any given frequency may be varied across the entire rangeof the frequency period. For example, at a given frequency, the dutycycle of each period of the frequency can be varied from nearly 0%on-time/100% off-time to nearly 100% on-time/0% off-time. Thus, for agiven frequency, the stimulator (e.g., light) can be on and off for anequal amount of time in each period (a 50% duty cycle), mostly on duringeach period (e.g., a 75% duty cycle), or mostly off during each period(e.g., a 25% duty cycle). In these cases, the frequency of thestimulation is the same, but the amount of on-time of the stimulation ineach period of the frequency is different.

Different pulse widths or duty cycles may be useful, depending on thecircumstances. For example, when engaged in a mental task that requiresvisual acuity, a very low or very high duty cycle may be used to flash alight stimulator at a pulse width that can be captured by the human eye,but is not consciously recognizable. The human eye can capture flashesof light as short as 1/200^(th) of a second (equivalent to a frequencyof 200 Hz), possibly shorter, but because of persistence of vision,cannot distinguish between repeated flashes of light at that frequency.Television and computer monitor frame refresh rates are typically 60 Hzor above, as this is a frequency at which persistence of vision makes itdifficult to distinguish between frames. Thus, for example, the flickerof light stimulation at a frequency of 40 Hz and a 50% duty cycle wouldbe easily perceivable by most human beings as each “on” pulse is1/80^(th) of a second long and separated by another “off” time ofanother 1/80^(th) of a second. However, the flicker of light stimulationat the same frequency, but at a 80% duty cycle would likely not beconsciously perceptible, as the “on” time of each period would lastabout 1/50^(th) of a second and the “off” time of each period would lastabout 1/200^(th) of a second. Thus, the “off” time of each period iswithin the limits of capture by the human eye (200 Hz), but would likelynot be consciously perceptible because it is above the average frequencyresolution (60 Hz) of the human eye, and the light would appear to theconscious mind to be on all the time.

In a similar manner, pulse widths or duty cycles may be adjusted to beperceptible to certain cells in the eye but not others. The human eyehas two different types of light receptors: cones and rods. Cones arethe dominant light receptors used under daylight conditions, andreception of light by cones is called photopic vision. Cones are able todistinguish colors, but are less sensitive to lower light intensity andthe persistence of vision of cones is greater (meaning that thefrequency of pulses that can be distinguished by cones is less than forrods). Rods are the dominant light receptors used at night and underlow-light conditions, and reception of light by rods is called scotopicvision. Rods are not able to distinguish colors, but are more sensitiveto lower light intensity and the persistence of vision of rods is less(meaning that the frequency of pulses that can be distinguished by rodsis greater than for cones). Cones are greatly concentrated in the centerof vision (where the person is directly looking) while rods areconsiderably more dominant in the periphery of vision. This differencein the type of light receptors in the eye can be used to advantage whenselecting either a frequency of stimulation or a pulse width/duty cycleof that frequency. Again using the example above where visual acuity isrequired for a mental task, the pulse width or duty cycle of each periodof a brainwave entrainment frequency of light can be selected to beperceptible to rods but not to cones, thus allowing the brainwaveentrainment frequency of light to be perceived by the brain (through therods in the periphery of vision which have a greater frequencyresolution), but not consciously perceptible to the person (who isprimarily focused on the light received by the cones (in the center ofvision and with a lesser frequency resolution). One or more differentinventions may be described in the present application. Further, for oneor more of the inventions described herein, numerous alternativeembodiments may be described; it should be appreciated that these arepresented for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting of theinventions contained herein or the claims presented herein in any way.One or more of the inventions may be widely applicable to numerousembodiments, as may be readily apparent from the disclosure. In general,embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilledin the art to practice one or more of the inventions, and it should beappreciated that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural,logical, software, electrical and other changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the particular inventions. Accordingly, oneskilled in the art will recognize that one or more of the inventions maybe practiced with various modifications and alterations. Particularfeatures of one or more of the inventions described herein may bedescribed with reference to one or more particular embodiments orfigures that form a part of the present disclosure, and in which areshown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments of one or more ofthe inventions. It should be appreciated, however, that such featuresare not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments orfigures with reference to which they are described. The presentdisclosure is neither a literal description of all embodiments of one ormore of the inventions nor a listing of features of one or more of theinventions that must be present in all embodiments.

Headings of sections provided in this patent application and the titleof this patent application are for convenience only, and are not to betaken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

Devices that are in communication with each other need not be incontinuous communication with each other, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. In addition, devices that are in communication with eachother may communicate directly or indirectly through one or morecommunication means or intermediaries, logical or physical.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communicationwith each other does not imply that all such components are required. Tothe contrary, a variety of optional components may be described toillustrate a wide variety of possible embodiments of one or more of theinventions and in order to more fully illustrate one or more aspects ofthe inventions. Similarly, although process steps, method steps,algorithms or the like may be described in a sequential order, suchprocesses, methods and algorithms may generally be configured to work inalternate orders, unless specifically stated to the contrary. In otherwords, any sequence or order of steps that may be described in thispatent application does not, in and of itself, indicate a requirementthat the steps be performed in that order. The steps of describedprocesses may be performed in any order practical. Further, some stepsmay be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied asoccurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described afterthe other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by itsdepiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process isexclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not implythat the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to one ormore of the invention(s), and does not imply that the illustratedprocess is preferred. Also, steps are generally described once perembodiment, but this does not mean they must occur once, or that theymay only occur once each time a process, method, or algorithm is carriedout or executed. Some steps may be omitted in some embodiments or someoccurrences, or some steps may be executed more than once in a givenembodiment or occurrence.

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readilyapparent that more than one device or article may be used in place of asingle device or article. Similarly, where more than one device orarticle is described herein, it will be readily apparent that a singledevice or article may be used in place of the more than one device orarticle.

The functionality or the features of a device may be alternativelyembodied by one or more other devices that are not explicitly describedas having such functionality or features. Thus, other embodiments of oneor more of the inventions need not include the device itself.

Techniques and mechanisms described or referenced herein will sometimesbe described in singular form for clarity. However, it should beappreciated that particular embodiments may include multiple iterationsof a technique or multiple instantiations of a mechanism unless notedotherwise. Process descriptions or blocks in figures should beunderstood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code whichinclude one or more executable instructions for implementing specificlogical functions or steps in the process. Alternate implementations areincluded within the scope of embodiments of the present invention inwhich, for example, functions may be executed out of order from thatshown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverseorder, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understoodby those having ordinary skill in the art.

Definitions

The term “amplitude” means the difference between the high or low stateof a signal or wave form and the base state of that signal or wave formin a full period (high/low or on/off cycle) of the frequency of thesignal or wave form.

The phrase “associative activity” as used herein means a second task oractivity to be engaged in by an individual under assessment. Theassociative activity will often, but not always, be a mental orcognitive task such as performing arithmetic or identifying objects on adisplay.

The term “biometrics” as used herein mean data that can be input,directly measured, or computed using directly measured data from a user.This data includes but is not limited to physical and virtual movement,physiological, biological, behavioral, navigational, cognitive,alertness and attention, emotional, and brainwave measurements andpatterns.

The phrase “brainwave entrainment” means application of a stimulus witha frequency from about 0.5 Hz to about 100 Hz as a means of neurologicaltherapy. The stimulus may be of any perceptible form such as, but notlimited to, light, sound, vibration, or electrical stimulation. Thestimulus need not be from the same source (e.g., two light sources eachat 20 Hz could be synchronized to produce a 40 Hz stimulus) or from thesame modality (e.g., a sound source at 15 Hz and a light source at 15 Hzcould be synchronized to produce a 30 Hz stimulus).

The phrase “composite function score” as used herein means a indicativeof a relative level of neurological functioning comprised of weightedinput of combined movement, biometric, and performance data sourcescollected by a given embodiment of the system, input by the user or anexpert, historical performance and life history data from varioussources, etc.

The term “conditioning” as used herein means all aspects of the systemthat can be used for the improvement, training, treatment of or exposureto aspects of neurological functioning. This could be in the form of aprescribed regimen from an expert, recommendation algorithm,self-selected experiences, or combination thereof.

The phrase “dual task assessment” as used herein means measurement ofbaseline performance on a set of tasks and/or activities performedindividually, as well as performance of the same set of tasks and/oractivities simultaneously. While this is typically a single primary task(usually motor) combined with a single associative activity (typically aneurological activity such as cognitive task), it should be taken hereinto include other combinations of multiplexed tasks in combinationsincluding, but not limited to, combinations in excess of two tasks andcombinations that target a single or multiple aspects of neurologicalfunctioning.

The phrase “dual task cost” as used herein means any method forquantifying the difference in performance of a dual task assessmentbetween the set of tasks performed individually and the same set oftasks performed simultaneously. Typically includes a comparison of eachtask performed in isolation to the performance on each of those taskswhen performed simultaneously, either for a pair or larger combinationof tasks.

The phrase “dual task stimulation” as used herein means the assignmentof a single primary task (usually motor) combined with a singleassociative activity (typically a neurological activity such ascognitive task) for a user to perform, whereby the combination of thetask and activity either stimulates neurological activity in certainareas of the brain, or which is associated with certain neurologicalfunctions, or both. It is not necessary that the precise areas of thebrain associated with the neurological function are known, only thatcertain tasks and activities are associated with that neurologicalfunction. This phrase should be taken herein to include othercombinations of multiplexed tasks in combinations including, but notlimited to, combinations in excess of two tasks and combinations thattarget a single or multiple aspects of neurological functioning.

The phrase “duty cycle” means the amount of time that a frequency signalis in the “high” or “on” state, expressed as a percentage, wherein eachfull period (complete high/low cycle) of the frequency signal represents100%. Note that “duty cycle” and “pulse width” are two different meansof expressing the same concept.

The term “expert” as used herein means an individual with specializationin an area via formal training, credentials, or advanced proficiency ina modality of interest to the user or with regard to neurologicalfunctioning. This includes but is not limited to physicians,psychiatrists, physical therapists, coaches, fitness trainers, highlevel athletes or competitors, and teachers.

The term “frequency” means a signal or wave form having a periodicrepetition of high/low or on/off states. Examples of signals and waveforms that exhibit the characteristic of frequency include, but are notlimited to, rectangular wave forms, sine wave forms, triangular waveforms, and sawtooth wave forms.

The phrases “neurological functioning” and “neurological function” asused herein mean any and all aspects of neuroscience and neurology whereinput, output, processing, or combination thereof involve aspects of thenervous system. These include but are not limited to functional as wellas anatomical aspects of cognitive, sensory, motor, emotional, andbehavioral functions and experiences.

The phrase “neurological state” as used herein means a state of theneurological system including, but not limited to cognitive states,emotional states, and brain physiology status (electrical activity,bloodflow, etc).

The phrase “primary task” as used herein means a first task or activityto be engaged in by an individual under assessment. The primary taskwill often, but not always, be a physical task or exercise such aswalking on a treadmill.

The phrase “pulse width” means the amount of time that a frequencysignal is in the “high” or “on” state, expressed as a time period thatis a portion of each full period (complete high/low cycle) of thefrequency signal. Note that “duty cycle” and “pulse width” are twodifferent means of expressing the same concept. The phrase “pulse widthmodulation” is often used to denote changing of the pulse width of afrequency signal.

Conceptual Architecture

FIG. 1 is a side view of a variable-resistance exercise machine withwireless communication for smart device control and interactive softwareapplications 100 of the invention. According to the embodiment, anexercise machine 100 may have a stable base 101 to provide a platformfor a user to safely stand or move about upon. Additional safety may beprovided through the use of a plurality of integrally-formed ordetachable side rails 102, for example having safety rails on the leftand right sides (with respect to a user's point of view) of exercisemachine 100 to provide a stable surface for a user to grasp as needed.Additionally, side rails 102 may comprise a plurality of open regions105 a-n formed to provide additional locations for a user to grasp orfor the attachment of additional equipment such as a user's smart device(not shown) through the use of a mountable or clamping case or mount.Formed or removable supports 106 a-n may be used for additional grip ormounting locations, for example to affix a plurality of tethers (notshown) for use in interaction with software applications while a user isusing exercise machine 100 (as described below, referring to FIG. 3).

Exercise machine 100 may further comprise a rigid handlebar 103 affixedor integrally-formed on one end of exercise machine 100, for a user tohold onto while facing forward during use. Handlebar 103 may furthercomprise a stand or mount 104 for a user's smart device such as (forexample) a smartphone or tablet computer, so they may safely support andstow the device during use while keeping it readily accessible forinteraction (for example, to configure or interact with a softwareapplication they are using, or to select different applications, or tocontrol media playback during use, or other various uses). Handlebar 103may be used to provide a stable handle for a user to hold onto duringuse for safety or stability, as well as providing a rigid point for theuser to “push off” during use as needed, for example to begin using amoving treadmill surface (described below in FIG. 2). During use, a usermay also face away from handlebar 103, using exercise machine 100 in thereverse without their view or range of motion being obscured orobstructed by handlebar 103 (for example, for use with a virtual realitygame that requires a wide degree of movement from the user's hands forinteraction).

As illustrated, the base 101 of exercise machine 100 may be formed witha mild, symmetrical curvature, to better approximate the natural rangeof movement of a user's body during use. Common exercise machines suchas treadmills generally employ a flat surface, which can beuncomfortably during prolonged or vigorous use, and may causecomplications with multi-directional movement or interaction while auser's view is obscured, as with a headset (described below in FIG. 3).By incorporating a gradual curvature, a user's movements may feel morenatural and require less reorientation or accommodation to become fluidand proficient, and stress to the body may be reduced.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system for a virtualreality or mixed reality enhanced exercise machine 100 with wirelesscommunication for smart device control and interactive softwareapplications using a smart device, illustrating the use of a pluralityof connected smart devices and tethers, and showing interaction via theuser's body as a control stick. According to the embodiment, a user 301may be standing, walking, or running on a variable-resistance exercisemachine 100 with wireless communication for smart device control andvirtual reality applications with a stable base 101 and two separatemoveable surfaces 203 a, 203 b for separate movement of the user's legs.Exercise machine 100 may have fixed handlebars with affixed orintegrally-formed controllers 305 a, 305 b for use as connected smartdevices for interaction, and support rails 201 a, 201 b for a user tohold onto or affix tethers for safety or interaction when needed. User401 may interact with software applications using a variety of means,including manual interaction via controller devices 305 a, 305 b thatmay be held in the hand for example to use as motion-input controldevices or (as illustrated) may be affixed or integrally-formed intoexercise machine 100. This may provide a user with traditional means ofinteracting with software applications while using exercise machine 100.Additionally, a user's body position or movement may be tracked and usedas input, for example via a plurality of tethers 304 a-n affixed tohandlebars 201 a, 201 b and a belt, harness or saddle 303 worn by user301, or using a headset device 302 that may track the position ormovement of a user's head as well as provide video (and optionallyaudio) output to the user, such as a virtual reality headset thatdisplays images while blocking the user's view of the outside world, oran augmented reality or mixed reality headset that combines presentedinformation with the user's view using transparent or semitransparentdisplays (for example, using transparent OLED displays, hologramdisplays, projected displays, or other various forms of overlaying adisplay within a user's normal field of vision without obstructing theuser's view). Body tracking may be used to recognize additional inputdata from user 301 (in addition to manual input via controllers 305 a,305 b), by tracking the position and movement of user 301 during use.For example, motion tracking within a headset device 302 may be used torecognize a variety of translational 310 or rotational 320 movement ofuser's 301 head, such as leaning to the side, or looking over theshoulder. Tethers 304 a-n may recognize a variety of movement of user's301 torso, such as leaning, crouching, sidestepping, or other bodymovement. This body tracking may then be utilized either as feedback torehab programs (for example, to track a user's posture for physicaltherapy coaching or exercises such as holding yoga poses) or inputsimilar to a control stick or joystick in manual controllerarrangements, for example by interpreting the user's entire body as the“stick” and processing their body movements as if they were stickmovements done manually (such as to control in-game character posture ormovement, or to direct movement in certain applications such as vehiclesimulations that may turn or accelerate in response to stick movements).

For example, a user 301 on exercise machine 100 may be playing a virtualreality skiing game or rehab program wherein they are given audio andvideo output via a headset 302 to immerse them in a virtual ski resort.When user 301 is not skiing, they may be able to use manual controls 305a, 305 b for such operations as selecting from an on-screen menu, ortyping text input such as to input their name or to chat with otherplayers using text. When they begin skiing within the game, user 301 maybe instructed in proper ski posture or technique, and may then use theirbody to control various aspects of their virtual skiing, such as leaningto the side 320 to alter their course and avoid trees or other skiers,or jumping 310 to clear rocks or gaps. Movement of their head may bedetected by a headset 302 and used to control their view independentlyof their body as it is tracked by tethers 304 a-n, allowing user 301 tolook around freely without interfering with their other controls. Inthis manner, the user's entire body may serve as an input control devicefor the game, allowing and encouraging them to use natural bodymovements to control their gameplay in an immersive manner while stillretaining the option to use more familiar manual control means asneeded. Alternatively, specific body functions such as hip twisting areused as user feedback for rehabilitating programs, including rehabgames.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system 1200 for a virtualreality or mixed reality enhanced exercise machine 100, illustrating theuse of a plurality of optical sensors to detect body movement of a userduring use of an exercise machine. As above (with reference to FIG. 3),a user 301 may be standing, walking or running, sitting, or otherwisephysically active during use of an exercise machine 100. During use, theuser's position, posture, movement, cadence, technique, or any othermovement or position-related information may be detected, observed, ormeasured using a plurality of body movement sensors such as (forexample, including but not limited to) tethers 304 a-n that mayoptionally be affixed to handlebars 201 a-b or other features of anexercise machine 100, hardware sensors integrated into controllers 305a-b or a headset 302 the user may be using during exercise for virtualreality or mixed reality applications, or using a plurality of opticalsensors 1201 a-n that may be affixed to an exercise machine 100 oradjacent equipment, or that may be affixed to or positioned within anenvironment around exercise machine 100 to observe the user 301 duringuse. Optical sensors 1201 a-n may be used in a variety of configurationsor arrangements, such as using a single wide-angle sensor positioned toobserve a user's movement or posture from a particular angle (which maybe useful for coaching or physical therapy applications), or using morethan one sensor placed about a user to observe their movement inthree-dimensional space. A variety of hardware may be utilized inoptical sensors 1201 a-n, for example including (but not limited to) aninfrared or other optical camera that may directly observe the user'smovement, a structured-light emitter that projects a structured-lightgrid 1202 or other arrangement onto the user, exercise machine, orenvironment (and corresponding scanner or receiver that may observe theuser's movement through detected changes in the structured-lightprojection), or a light-field sensor that detects or measures depth toobserve a user's movement in three-dimensions. It should also beappreciated that various combination of optical sensors 1201 a-n may beutilized to achieve a desired effect, for example using both structuredlight and a light-field sensor to observe a user's movement in precisedetail in three dimensions. Additionally, some or all optical sensors1201 a-n utilized in some arrangements may be integrated into a user'sheadset 302 or an exercise machine 100 to provide “inside-out” trackingwhere tracking sensors are associated with the user rather than theenvironment, or they may be external devices as illustrated that may beintroduced to enhance an existing exercise machine or environment.

Utilizing an exercise machine 100 in this manner allows for a variety ofnovel forms of user interaction within virtual reality or mixed realityapplications. For example, a user's body movement during exercise may betracked in three dimensions and along or around various axes to recordmovement with six degrees of freedom (6DOF) comprising both translationalong, and rotation about, each of three spatial axes. This may be usedwith torso tracking as described above (referring to FIGS. 3-7) toproduce a 6DOF “torso joystick” virtual device that directs movement orother inputs within a software application. This may be used in a numberof ways, for example including but not limited to aiding exercisethrough interactive coaching (either with a human coach or usingsoftware to simulate a coach by providing feedback to detected usermovements), providing physical therapy, interacting with games or otherapplications during exercise, or using exercise combined with softwareinteraction for an immersive virtual reality or mixed realityexperience. For example, a user may control movement or expression of avirtual avatar or other user representation within a softwareapplication, such as using their own body movements to direct movementof a virtual character. Physical therapy or fitness coaching may utilizedetected movements to assist a user with improving their abilities ortechnique, or to measure progress. Social interaction applications mayutilize body movements during exercise, for example a chat or voice callapplication may utilize body movement as a form of nonverbal expressionsimilar to emoji or other icons. Safety may also be enhanced bycontrolling the operation of software in response to detected usermovements, for example displaying caution information or pausing anapplication if a user is detected to move outside a configured safetyparameter (such as stepping off a running treadmill, for example).

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary system architecture 800 fornatural body interaction for mixed or virtual reality applications ofthe invention. According to the embodiment, a composition server 801comprising programming instructions stored in a memory 11 and operatingon a processor 12 of a computing device 10 (as described below, withreference to FIG. 13), may be configured to receive a plurality of inputdata from various connected devices. Such input devices may include (butare not limited to) a variety of hardware controller devices 804 (suchas a gaming controller [such as GOJI PLAY™ controllers], motion trackingcontroller, or traditional computer input devices such as a keyboard ormouse), a headset device 803 such as an augmented reality or mixed orvirtual reality headset (for example, OCULUS RIFT™, HTC VIVE™, SAMSUNGGEAR VR™, MICROSOFT MIXED REALITY™, or other headset devices), a varietyof fitness devices 805 (for example, fitness tracking wearable devicessuch as FITBIT™, MICROSOFT BAND™, APPLE WATCH™, or other wearabledevices), or a variety of body input 802 tracking devices orarrangements, such as using a plurality of tethers attached to theenvironment and a harness worn by a user, configured to track movementand position of the user's body.

Various input devices may be connected to composition server 801interchangeably as desired for a particular arrangement or use case, forexample a user may wish to use a controller 804 in each hand and aheadset 803, but omit the use of fitness devices 805 altogether. Duringoperation, composition server 801 may identify connected devices andload any stored configuration corresponding to a particular device ordevice type, for example using preconfigured parameters for use as adefault configuration for a new controller, or using historicalconfiguration for a headset based on previous configuration or use. Forexample, a user may be prompted (or may volunteer) to provideconfiguration data for a particular device, such as by selecting from alist of options (for example, “choose which type of device this is”, or“where are you wearing/holding this device”, or other multiple-choicetype selection), or composition server 801 may employ machine learningto automatically determine or update device configuration as needed. Forexample, during use, input values may be received that are determined tobe “out of bounds”, for example an erroneous sensor reading that mightindicate that a user has dramatically shifted position in a way thatshould be impossible (for example, an erroneous reading that appears toindicate the user has moved across the room and back again within afraction of a second, or has fallen through the floor, or other dataanomalies). These data values may be discarded, and configurationupdated to reduce the frequency of such errors in the future, increasingthe reliability of input data through use.

Composition server 801 may receive a wide variety of input data fromvarious connected devices, and by comparing against configuration datamay discard undesirable or erroneous readings as well as analyzereceived input data to determine more complex or fine-grainedmeasurements. For example, combining input from motion-sensingcontrollers 804 with a motion-sensing headset 803 may reveal informationabout how a user is moving their arms relative to their head or face,such as covering their face to shield against a bright light or anattack (within a game, for example), which might otherwise be impossibleto determine with any reliability using only the controllers themselves(as it may be observed that a user is raising their hands easily enough,but there is no reference for the position or movement of their head).These derived input values may then be combined into a single compositeinput data stream for use by various software applications, such asaugmented reality or mixed or virtual reality productivity applications(for example, applications that assist a user in performing manual tasksby presenting virtual information overlays onto their field of vision,or by playing audio directions to instruct them while observing theirbehavior through input devices, or other such applications), or mixed orvirtual reality applications or games, such as simulation games thattranslate a user's movement or position into in-game interaction, forexample by moving a user's in-game character or avatar based on theirphysical movements as received from input devices. In some arrangements,composition server 801 may operate such software applications in astandalone manner, functioning as a computer or gaming console asneeded. In other arrangements, composition server 801 may provide thecomposite data for use by an external computer 810, such as a connectedgaming console, mixed or virtual reality device, personal computer, or aserver operating via a network in the cloud (such as for online gamingarrangements, for example). In this manner, the composite data functionsof the embodiment may be utilized with existing hardware if desired, ormay be provided in a standalone package such as for demonstrations orpublic use, or for convenient setup using a single device to provide thefull interaction experience (in a manner similar to a household gamingconsole, wherein all the functions of computer components may beprepackaged and setup to minimize difficulty for a new user).

It should be appreciated that while reference is made to virtual realityapplications, a wide variety of use cases may be possible according tothe embodiment. For example, torso tracking may be used for fitness andhealth applications, to monitor a user's posture or gait while walking,without the use of additional virtual reality equipment or software. Insome arrangements, some or all interaction between a user and a softwareapplication may be nonvisual, and in some arrangements no display devicemay be present. In such an arrangement, a user may interact withsoftware entirely using feedback and movement of a worn harness 420 ortethers 304 a-n, using resistance or software-guided actuation oftethers 304 a-n (as described below, with reference to FIGS. 4-7) orother elements. In other arrangements, various combinations of displaydevices and other electronic devices may be used for a mixed-realitysetup, for example where a user's movement and interaction may be usedby software to incorporate elements of the physical world into a digitalrepresentation of the user or environment. For example, a user mayinteract with games or fitness applications, participate in social mediasuch as chat, calls, online discussion boards, social network postings,or other social content, or they may use body tracking to navigate userinterface elements of software such as a web browser or media player.Software used in this manner may not need to be specially-configured toutilize body tracking, for example to navigate a web browser a user'sbody movements or reactions to feedback may be processed by acomposition server 801 and mapped to generic inputs such as keystrokesor mouse clicks, for use in any standard software application withoutthe need for special configuration.

It should be further appreciated that while reference is made to atreadmill-type exercise machine 100, such an exercise machine isexemplary and any of a number of exercise machines may be utilizedaccording to the aspects disclosed herein, for example including (butnot limited to) a treadmill, a stationary bicycle, an ellipticalmachine, a rowing machine, or even non-electronic exercise equipmentsuch as a pull-up bar or weight machine. Traditional exercise equipmentmay be outfitted with additional components to facilitate virtualreality or mixed reality interaction according to the aspects disclosedherein, for example by affixing a plurality of tethers 304 a-n to aweight machine so that a user's movement during exercise may be used asinteraction as described below (with reference to FIGS. 3-7).

FIG. 25 is a composite functioning score spatial map 2500 showing therelative ability of a user in several physical and mental functionalmeasurement areas (also referred to herein as “composite functioningscores” or “composite functioning score groups”) 2501-2507. Thecomposite functioning score spatial map is a visual representation of aperson's ability in several functional measurement areas 2501-2507. Thecenter of the composite functioning score spatial map 2500 representszero ability, while the inner circle 2510 of the composite functioningscore spatial map 2500 represents full ability (i.e., maximumfunctionality of a healthy individual while not dual-tasking). Greaterfunctionality in a given composite functioning score 2501-2507 isrepresented by a greater profile coverage area in the direction of thatfunctional measurement area. The average profile area of arepresentative population of individuals (e.g., of the same age as theindividual being tested) is shown as the solid line profile average 2511of the composite functioning score spatial map 2500. The compositefunctioning score spatial map 2500 is a visual representation of dataobtained from other components of the system and placed into a compositefunctioning score matrix or other data structure (not shown) whichorganizes the data relative to the various composite functioning scores.

In this example, there are seven groups of composite functioning scores,each representing either a physical ability, a mental ability, or acombined ability, and all of which together represent a picture of anindividual's nervous system function. The memory 2501 and cognition 2502composite functioning score groups represent purely mental activities,and present a picture of the individual's ability to think clearly. Thespeech 2503, auditory 2504, and vision 2505 composite functioning scoregroups represent combined physical/mental activities, as each representssome physical/mental interaction on the part of the individual. Forexample, speech requires the individual not only to mentally generatewords and phrases on a mental level, but also to produce those words andphrases physically using the mouth and vocal cords. It is quitepossible, for example, that the individual is able to think of thewords, but not produce them, which represents one type of neurologicalcondition. The speech 2503 composite functioning score group representsthat combined ability, and the auditory 2504 and vision 2505 compositefunctioning score groups represent a similar combined ability. The motorskills 2506 composite functioning score group represents amostly-physical ability to move, balance, touch, hold objects, or engagein other non-cognitive activities (recognizing, of course, that thenervous system controls those movements, but is not engaged inhigher-level thinking). The emotional biomarker 2507 group representsthe individual's emotional responses to certain stimuli during testing,as would be indicated by lack of empathetic responses to virtual realitycharacters in a story, responses indicating sadness or depression, etc.

From the data obtained from other components of the system, a profile ofan individual's functional ability may be created and displayed on thecomposite functioning score spatial map. For example, a baseline profile2508 may be established for an individual during the initial use or usesof the system (e.g., pre-treatment evaluation(s)), showing a certainlevel of ability for certain composite functioning scores. In thebaseline profile 2508 example, all composite functioning scores indicatesignificant impairment relative to the population average 2511, but thecomposite functioning scores for cognition 2502 and auditory 2504ability are relatively stronger than the composite functioning scoresfor memory 2501, speech 2503, vision 2505, and motor skills 2506, andthe emotional biomarker group 2507 indicates substantial impairmentrelative to the population average 2511. Importantly, changes in theprofile can show improvements or regressions in functionality, andchanges over time in the profile can be tracked to show trends inimprovement or regression. For example, a later profile 2509 for thesame individual shows improvement in all biomarker groups, withsubstantial improvement in the cognition 2502, auditory 2504, motorskill 2506 biomarker groups, and dramatic improvement in the emotion2507 composite functioning score groups, relative to the baselineprofile 2508. The biomarker group for emotion 2507 in the later profile2509 shows performance matching or nearly matching that of thepopulation average 2511.

FIG. 26 is an overall system architecture diagram for a system foranalyzing neurological functioning. In this example, the systemcomprises a data capture system 2700, a range of motion comparator 2800,a movement profile analyzer 2900, and a neurological functioninganalyzer 3000. The data capture system 2700 captures data from sensorson the system such as motor speed sensors, angle sensors,accelerometers, gyroscopes, cameras, and other sensors which providedata about an individual's movement, balance, and strength, as well asinformation from software systems about tasks being performed by theindividual while engaging in exercise. The range of motion comparator2800 evaluates data from the data capture system 2700 to determine anindividual's range of motion relative to the individual's personalhistory and relative to statistical norms, and to population averages.The movement profile analyzer 2900 evaluates data from the data capturesystem 2700 to generate a profile of the individual's physical functionsuch as posture, balance, gait symmetry and stability, and consistencyand strength of repetitive motion (e.g., walking or running pace andconsistency, cycling cadence and consistency, etc.). The neurologicalfunctioning analyzer evaluates data from the data capture system 2700,the range of motion comparator 2800, and the movement profile analyzer2900 to generate a profile of the user's nervous system function asindicated by composite functioning scores which indicate relativeability of an individual in one or more physical and mental functionalmeasurement areas (also referred to herein as “composite functioningscores”).

FIG. 27 is a system architecture diagram for the data capture systemaspect of a neurological functioning analyzer. In this embodiment, thedata capture system 2700 comprises a physical activity data capturedevice 2710 designed to capture information about an individual'smovements while the individual is engaged in a primary physical activityand a software application 2720 designed to assign physical tasks andassociative activities, to engage the user in the physical tasks andassociative activities, and track and store responses to tasks andactivities, as well as a data integrator 2730 configured to convert,calibrate, and integrate data streams from the physical activity datacapture device 2710 and software application 2720. The data capturesystem 2700 captures data from sensors 2711, 2712 on the physicalactivity data capture device 2710 such as motor speed sensors, anglesensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, cameras, and other sensors whichprovide data about the speed, operation, direction and angle of motionof the equipment, and about an individual's movement, balance, andstrength.

The physical activity data capture device 2710 may be any type of devicethat captures data regarding the physical movements and activity of auser. In some embodiments, the physical activity data capture device2710 may be a stand-alone device not associated with the activity beingperformed (e.g. a camera, ultrasonic distance sensor, heat sensor,pedometer, or other device not integrated into exercise equipment). Inother embodiments, the physical activity data capture device 2710 may beexercise equipment or peripherals that captures motion and activityinformation of a user engaged in physical activity while using thedevice. For example, the physical activity data capture device 2710 maybe in the form of exercise equipment such as stand-on or ride-onexercise machines like treadmills, stair stepping machines, stationarybicycles, rowing machines, and weight-lifting or resistance devices, ormay be other equipment wherein the user stands separately from theequipment and pulls or pushes on ropes, chains, resistance bands, bars,and levers. The physical activity data capture device 2710 may be in theform of computer peripherals (e.g., game controllers, virtual realityheadsets, etc.) that capture data while the user is performing physicalmovements related to a game or virtual reality environment, or exerciseequipment that engage the user in physical activity, such as barbells,free weights, etc., which are configured to provide location and/ormotion information such an integrated motion sensors or external camerasconfigured to detect the peripheral. The physical activity data capturedevice 2710 may be in the form of exercise equipment or peripherals andmay be referred to as an exercise device. Sensors in the physicalactivity data capture device 2710 may be either analog 2711 or digital2712. Non-limiting examples of analog sensors 2711 are motor voltagesand currents, resistors, potentiometers, thermistors, light sensors, andother devices that produce an analog voltages or currents. Most digitalsensors are analog sensors 2711 with integrated analog-to-digitalconverters which output a digital signal, although some sensors aredigital in the sense that they measure only discrete steps (e.g., anon/off switch). In most cases, signals from analog sensors 2711 will beconverted to digital signals using an analog to digital converter 2701.For signals from digital sensors 2712, conversion is not necessary. Insome cases, signals may need to be calibrated by a sensor calibrator,which corrects for sensor drift, out of range errors, etc., by comparingsignals to known good values or to other devices.

The software application 2720 is any software designed to assignphysical tasks and associative activities, to engage the user in thephysical tasks and associative activities, and track and store data fromphysical tasks and responses to associative activities. The softwareapplication 2720 may have, or may use or access, a number of differentsoftware components such as a virtual reality game or environmentgenerator 2721, an associative activity manager 2722 which designs,selects, and/or implements testing protocols based on the user'sprofile. Many different configurations of the software are possible. Thesoftware application 2720 may be configured to present tasks to the userindependent of inputs from the physical activity data capture device2710, such as performing playing games, performing math computations,remembering where certain symbols are located, visually following anobject on a screen, or reading and speaking a given text. Alternatively,the software application 2720 may be configured to engage the user inmental or combined activities that correspond in some way to the inputsfrom the physical activity data capture device 2710. For example, theuser might be running on a treadmill, and the speed of the treadmillmight be used as an input to a virtual reality environment which showsthe user virtually running at a rate corresponding to the rate of thereal world treadmill speed. The software application 2720 is configuredto record data regarding, or evaluate and assign scores or values to,the user's responses and reactions to the tasks presented by thesoftware application 2720. For example, if the user is assigned the taskof performing a mathematical calculation, the correctness of the user'sresponse may be evaluated, scored, and recorded as data. As anotherexample, the user may be presented with the task of speeding up orslowing down a running motion in response to a visual cue, and the speedof the user's reaction may be recorded as data. In such cases, a dataintegrator 2730 may be used to integrate the data from the physicalactivity data capture device 2710 with the data from the softwareapplication 2720. In some embodiments, the data from the physicalactivity data capture device 2710 may be used to change the operation ofthe software application 2720, and vice versa (i.e., the softwareapplication 2720 may also be used change the operation of the exerciseequipment, for example, providing additional resistance or speeding upthe operation of a treadmill). In some embodiments, the data integratormay not be a separate component, and its functionality may beincorporated into other components, such as the software application2720.

In some embodiments, the software application 2720, anothermachine-learning based software application such as a task assignmentsoftware application (not shown), may be configured to assign physicaltasks to the user to be performed in conjunction with the associativeactivities assigned. Rather than simply performing continuouslyperforming physical activity and recording the impact on the physicalactivity of performance of the associative activities, the user may beassigned discrete physical tasks to perform while a mental activity isbeing performed. For example, the user may be assigned the physical taskof pointing to a fixed spot on a display screen while reading aloud atext, and the steadiness of the user's pointing may be measured before,during, and after the reading, thus indicating an impact on the user'sphysical activity of the mental effort. Such dual-task testing may allowfor more precise measurement and evaluation of relative functioning asdifferent combinations of physical and associative activities areevaluated together. In some embodiments, the associative activity may bea second physical task or activity assigned to be performedsimultaneously with a primary physical task or activity. Note that theterms “task” and “activity” as used herein are interchangeable, althoughthe phrases “physical task” and “associative activity” are often usedfor purposes of clarity and convenience.

FIG. 28 is a system architecture diagram for the range of motioncomparator aspect of a neurological functioning analyzer. The range ofmotion and performance comparator 2800 evaluates data from the datacapture system 2700 to determine an individual's range of motion andperformance for the given associative activity relative to theindividual's personal history and relative to statistical norms. Therange of motion and performance comparator 2800 comprises a currentrange analyzer 2801, a historical range comparator 2802, a statisticalrange comparator 2803, and a range of motion and performance profilegenerator 2804, as well as databases for user range of motion andperformance historical data 2810 and demographic data 2820. The currentrange analyzer 2801 ingests data related to an individual's movement andperformance, and calculates a range of motion and performance of thatindividual while performing versus not performing the given associativeactivity. For example, if an individual is given a primary physical taskof standing in balance and an associative activity of popping a virtualballoon of a specific color as it appears randomly in the VRenvironment, the current range analyzer 2801 will start tracking theindividual's balance while performing the associative activity andmeasure the accuracy and timing of balloon popping (for testing theindividual's gross motor and executive functions). To conclude, theindividual is instructed to start walking to warm up, and then repeatthe same balloon popping activity while walking. The current rangeanalyzer 2801 will finish capturing all the motion and performancedata—the differences in the individual's accuracy and timing of balloonpopping between standing and walking as well as the nuanced changes inthe individual's walking movement during warmup and while balloonpopping—and forwarding its analysis to the historical range comparator2801. The historical range comparator 2802 retrieves historical data forthe individual (if such exists) from a user range of motion andperformance historical data database 2810, and compares the current datawith historical data to determine trends in the individual's motion andperformance over time. The statistical range comparator 2803 retrievesstatistical range data for populations similar to the individual from ademographic data database 2820, and determines a range of motion andperformance of the individual relative to similar individuals by sex,age, height, weight, health conditions, etc. The range of motion andperformance profile generator 2804 takes the data from the priorcomponents, and generates and stores a range of motion profile for theindividual which integrates these analyses into a comprehensive pictureof the individual's range of motion functionality.

FIG. 29 is a system architecture diagram for the movement andperformance profile analyzer aspect of a neurological functioninganalyzer. The movement and performance profile analyzer 2900 evaluatesdata from the data capture system 2700 to generate a profile of theindividual's physical function such as posture, balance, gait symmetryand stability, and consistency and strength of repetitive motion (e.g.,walking or running pace and consistency, cycling cadence andconsistency, etc.) and mental performance such as executive function,cognitive response, visual and auditory functions, emotional orempathetic reactions, etc. The movement and performance profile analyzer2900 comprises a number of component analyzers 2901 a-n, a historicalmovement and performance profile comparator 2902, a statistical movementand performance comparator 2903, and a movement and performance profilegenerator 2904, as well as a user movement and performance profilehistory data database 2910 and a demographic data database 2920.

Many different aspects of movement and performance may be analyzed bythe movement and performance profile analyzer 2900 through one or moreof its many component analyzers 2901 a-n such as the gait analyzer,balance analyzer, gross motor analyzer, fine motor analyzer, depthperception analyzer, executive function analyzer, visual functionanalyzer, auditory function analyzer, memory function analyzer,emotional response analyzer, etc. For example, the gait analyzer of thecomponent analyzers 2901 ingests sensor data related to an individual'sambulatory movements (walking or running) while performing the givenassociative activity, and calculates a step frequency, step symmetry,weight distribution, and other metrics related to an individual's gait.These calculations are then compared to expected calculations for anindividual without performing the given the associative activity. If anindividual exhibits a limp while performing the given associativeactivity (e.g., popping virtual balloons), the step frequency, stepsymmetry, and weight distribution will all be skewed with the impairedside showing a shorter step duration and less weight applied. Theexpected calculations may be determined from the full range of sensorvalues, per-exercise calibrations, statistical data, or other meansappropriate to the specific application. The balance analyzer of thecomponent analyzer 2901 performs a similar function with respect to anindividual's balance. Wobbling, hesitation, or partial falls andrecoveries while performing a range of associative activities can becalculated from the data. The historical movement and performancecomparator 2902 retrieves historical data for the individual (if suchexists) from a user movement and performance historical data database2910, and compares the current movement and performance data withhistorical data to determine trends in the movements and performancesover time. The statistical movement and performance comparator 2903retrieves statistical range of motion and performance data forpopulations similar to the individual from a demographic data database2920, and compares movements and performances of the individual tosimilar individuals by sex, age, height, weight, health conditions, etc.The movement and performance profile generator 2905 takes the data fromthe prior components, and generates and stores a movement andperformance profile for the individual which integrates these analysesinto a comprehensive picture of the individual's movement andperformance functionality.

FIG. 30 is a system architecture diagram for the neurologicalfunctioning analyzer aspect of a neurological condition evaluator. Theneurological functioning analyzer evaluates data from the data capturesystem 2700, the range of motion and performance comparator 2800, andthe movement and performance profile analyzer 2900 to generate a profileof the user's nervous system function as indicated by compositefunctioning scores which indicate relative ability of an individual inone or more physical and mental functional measurement areas (alsoreferred to herein as “composite functioning scores”). The currentcomposite functioning score analyzer 3001 ingests sensor data related toan individual's movement and performance, and calculates a set ofcurrent composite functioning scores for that individual based on thesensor data, the range of motion and performance profile, the movementand performance profile, and input from the software 2720 regardingassociative activities associated with physical movement data. Thehistorical composite functioning score comparator 3002 retrieveshistorical data for the individual (if such exists) from a usercomposite functioning score historical data database 3010, and comparesthe current composite functioning score data with historical data todetermine trends in the individual's bio-makers over time. Thestatistical composite functioning score comparator 3003 retrievesstatistical composite functioning score data for populations similar tothe individual from a demographic data database 3020, and determines arange of composite functioning score functionality of the individualrelative to similar individuals by sex, age, height, weight, healthconditions, etc. The neurological functioning profile generator 3004takes the data from the prior components, and generates and stores aneurological functioning profile for the individual which integratesthese analyses into a comprehensive picture of the individual'scomposite functioning score functionality. In some embodiments, one ormore of the composite functioning scores may be determined fromdual-task testing, in which a physical task and a mental task areperformed simultaneously to detect areas of abnormal nervous systemfunction, and/or identify which areas of the nervous system may beaffected. For example, while performing mathematical tasks, anindividual slows down significantly in his/her walk compared to thepopulation data. It will indicate that the individual's compositefunctioning score for logical and mathematic functions is worse thanhis/her population cohort (by sex, age, height, weight, healthconditions, etc.). The neurological functioning profile may include acomposite functioning score spatial map as described above. In someembodiments, the neurological functioning analyzer may receive datadirectly from the data capture system 2700 and may perform independentneurological analyses without inputs from the range of motion andperformance comparator 2800 or the movement and performance profileanalyzer 2900, or may incorporate some or all of the functionality ofthose components.

FIG. 33 is a diagram of an exemplary brainwave entrainment therapydevice that can be attached to an exercise machine for targetedbrainwave entrainment therapy with light and/or sound using dual-taskingmethodologies. In this embodiment, the brainwave entrainment therapydevice comprises a screen 3301, one or more lights 3302, and one or morespeakers or headphones 3303. The screen 3301 is used for display ofactivities designed to engage the user in one or more mental tasksassociated with particular brain functionality. The lights 3302, shownhere as light bars comprising multiple light-emitting diodes (LEDs) canbe programmed to emit a visible stimulus (e.g., flashes, on/off cycles,etc.) at frequencies appropriate for brainwave entrainment. The speakers3303 can be programmed to emit an audible stimulus (e.g., rectangularwave sound pulses, sine wave sound oscillations, etc.) at frequenciesappropriate for brainwave entrainment. In some configurations, bothlight and sound may be used as stimuli. The stimuli need not be from thesame source (e.g., two light sources each at 20 Hz could be synchronizedto produce a 40 Hz stimulus) or from the same modality (e.g., a soundsource at 15 Hz and a light source at 15 Hz could be synchronized toproduce a 30 Hz stimulus)

The device of this embodiment is designed such that is can be mounted onan exercise machine (that may or may not be otherwise equipped for dualtask stimulation purposes), whereby it can be used to provide dual taskstimulation. The combination of the dual task stimulation with brainwaveentrainment allows for stimulation of certain portions of the brainassociated with certain neurological functions, and allows for targetedbrainwave entrainment by enhancing and concentrating the effect of thebrainwave entrainment on the stimulated areas of the brain. As oneexample, a person with memory loss may be provided dual task stimulationsuch as walking on a treadmill (physical task) while playing amemory-based card matching or tile matching game (associated mentalactivity). While the person is engaged in the dual task stimulation,brainwave entrainment is applied via the lights 3302 (or via the screenin some applications) and/or the speakers 3303. As the neurologicalfunctions in the brain associated with memory are being stimulated), theneurons in the brain associated with those functions are in analready-stimulated state, and the brainwave entrainment's stimulation ofoscillations in the electrochemical state of neurons in thosealready-stimulated areas will have a more pronounced effect than onother areas of the brain. In this way, the already-stimulated areas ofthe brain will experience a greater reduction in degenerative conditions(i.e., reductions in amyloid plaques and tau phosphorylation) andgreater increases in synaptic density.

FIG. 34 is a diagram of an exemplary brainwave entrainment therapysystem for targeted brainwave entrainment therapy that allows formulti-modal, multi-intensity treatment using dual-tasking methodologies.The system 3400 of this embodiment comprises a stationary recumbentbicycle 3410, and three different scales of brainwave entrainmentstimulators: localized and/or individual stimulation transducers 3420,small area stimulation transducers 3430, and large area stimulationtransducers 3440.

The stationary recumbent bicycle 3410 comprises a base 3415, a chairback 3411, a seat 3412, arm rests 3414, a plurality of supports 3413connecting the chair back 3411 and seat 3412 to the base 3415, aresistance mechanism 3416 allowing for resistance to a pedaling motionof the user, and a pedal system 3417 for the user to pedal in a cyclingmotion. The stationary recumbent bicycle 3410 thus provides the meansfor the user to engage in a physical task for dual task stimulation(and/or dual task assessment).

The localized and/or individual stimulation transducers 3420 of thisembodiment are a headband 3421 with vibratory stimulation and hand grips3422 which provide electrical stimulation. These provide localizedstimulation which can only be perceived by the user, which also makesthem individual stimulation transducers (as opposed to the other scales,which can be perceived by others, and which could be used to providebrainwave entrainment to more than one person using the sametransducer(s)). The headband may produce simple vibratory (i.e.,tactile) stimulation to the head, or may be configured to producevibrations at certain locations on the head and at certain intensitiesso as to be perceptible by the middle and inner ear, which causes thestimulation to be both tactile and auditory in nature. This doublestimulation (tactile and auditory) amplifies the effect of a single typeof transducer, increasing the efficiency of brainwave entrainment fromapplications of that transducer.

The small area stimulation transducers 3430 of this embodiment aredevices attached to the exercise machine 3410, but not directly attachedto or in contact with the user. For example, a console comprising ascreen 3432, light bars 3433, and speakers 3434 similar to that of thedevice of FIG. 33 may be used. The console may be attached to theexercise machine using an adjustable arm 3431 that allows for optimalpositioning of the console for viewing and/or interaction by the user.Other small area stimulation transducers include a large electric motor3435 with an offset weight 3436 attached to the seat 3412 that allowsfor full-body vibratory stimulation to be applied, and a subwoofer 3437under the chair back 3411 that allows for both audible (regular sound)and inaudible (infrasound) stimulation to be applied. Small areastimulation transducers are particularly useful in situations wheredirect contact with a user is not desirable, or when multiple users willbe using the device sequentially, or when brainwave entrainment will beapplied to a small number of users (e.g., those directly in front of thestimulation transducers).

The large area stimulation transducers 3440 of this embodiment aredevices that can be used over a large area and potentially a largenumber of persons such as a room or auditorium. In this embodiment, Thelarge area stimulation transducers are large LED light bars 3442 andlarge speakers 3443 attached to a wall 3441 of the room in which thestimulation will be applied. The large area stimulators such as the LEDlight bars 3442 and large speakers 3443 on the wall 3441 can be used tofully immerse the user in intense brainwave entrainment with large areasof bright light and loud, booming sounds. The immersion and intensitycan be enhanced, for example, by surrounding the user with large areastimulators on walls on all sides (and possibly ceilings and floors)covering the user's entire visual area, so that the user receives visualstimulation no matter in which direction the user looks an auditorystimulation no matter where the user is located. Higher immersion andintensity may provide greater beneficial effects from brainwaveentrainment.

It is important to note that any type of transducer can be applied atany scale. For example, light stimulation can be configured such that itis seen only by one person (e.g., in glasses or goggles), or is seen bya small number of persons (e.g., a single LED light bar), or is seen bymany people (e.g. room lights, stadium lights, etc.). Further, theintensity of stimulation can be largely varied separately from the scaleof stimulation. However, depending on the circumstances and application,brainwave entrainment at certain scales and/or intensities may be moreuseful or effective than at others.

The different scales of stimulation transducers allow for a choice ofthe level of immersion the user experiences with respect to thebrainwave entrainment, and to some degree, the level of intensity of thebrainwave entrainment. Immersion is the quality of being surrounded byor absorbed in an experience. Intensity is the magnitude of theexperience. They are separate qualities (e.g., a localized electricstimulation can be intense, but not immersive), but there can be anincrease in intensity with an increase in scale (for example, if lightstimulation comes from all directions, it will tend to be both moreimmersive and more intense, although the intensity of the lights can bereduced to offset this tendency). For example, a localized, subtleelectrical stimulation through electrically-conducting hand grips 3422provides minimal immersion of the user in the brainwave entrainment.This may be useful, for example, where intense concentration on the dualtask stimulation is necessary. Small area stimulation transducers suchas the LED light bars 3433 on the screen console are useful formid-level immersion and mid-level intensity of brainwave entrainment.The LED light bars 3433 cover a small, but significant, area of theuser's view, and the speakers 3434 are large enough to provide asubstantial auditory stimulus. The large area stimulators such as theLED light bars 3442 and large speakers 3443 on the wall 3441 can be usedto fully immerse the user in intense brainwave entrainment with largeareas of bright light and loud, booming sounds. The immersion andintensity can be enhanced, for example, by surrounding the user withlarge area stimulators on walls on all sides (and possibly ceilings andfloors) covering the user's entire visual area, so that the userreceives visual stimulation no matter in which direction the user looksan auditory stimulation no matter where the user is located. Higherimmersion and intensity may provide greater beneficial effects frombrainwave entrainment.

Further, it is important to note that the modalities (types ofstimulation), scales, and intensities allows for tremendous flexibilityin selecting suitable therapies regimens for different situations. Forhigh-immersion scenarios (e.g., maximum brainwave entrainment with fewercognitive demands such as listening to music), multiple modalities,scales, and intensities may be used at the same time. For example, whilea user is listening to classical music, localized electrical stimulationmay be applied to the wrist, small area visual stimulation may beapplied using a single LED light bar, and large area tactile stimulationmay be applied using subwoofers which produce sounds (infrasounds) whichare inaudible to the human ear but can be perceived through the sense oftouch (e.g., as oscillating pressure on the torso).

Further, modalities can be chosen to either amplify certain tasks oractivities or to supplement them. For amplification, treatmentmodalities are chosen to include those corresponding to a given task oractivity in dual task stimulation. As an example, if a dual taskstimulation activity assigned to a user is listening to music, a 40 Hzauditory signal can be used as gamma entrainment therapy. As the user isalready focused on listening, the user is focusing more intensely onauditory activities (and the brain areas and functions associated withauditory activities are stimulated), enhancing the effect of theauditory gamma entrainment modality. For supplementation, treatmentmodalities are chosen to exclude those corresponding to a given task oractivity in dual task stimulation. As an example, if a dual taskstimulation activity assigned to a user is listening to specificsongbirds for the purpose of identifying or counting them, adding a 40Hz auditory signal may interfere with the listening process, thus eitherdisrupting the dual task stimulation or causing the gamma entrainment tobe ineffective. In such circumstances, a non-conflicting modality may bechosen such as light therapy or vibratory therapy.

FIG. 35 is a flow diagram showing an algorithm for selection ofmodalities and routines for targeted brainwave entrainment therapy usingdual-tasking methodologies. As a first step, a neurological assessmentis received 3501, comprising an evaluation of neurological function ofat least one aspect of an individual. The neurological assessment may bein any number of different forms. One possible form is a report of aphysician or other health professional identifying a deficiency inneurological function such as a cognitive or motor-physical declineassociated with neurological disease or degradation. Another possibleform is a report from a coach or other sports professional recommendingan improvement in some area of training or physical performance. Anotherpossible form is the results of a dual task assessment. After theneurological assessment is received, the areas of the brain orneurological functions to be treated are identified 3502. Where theneurological assessment is a dual task assessment or obviousneurological deficiency (i.e., disease or degradation), the deficientneurological functions will be known and brain areas associated withthose neurological functions may also be known. Where the neurologicalassessment is a training or physical performance improvementrecommendation, a neurological function may be selected which isbelieved to be associated in some form with that recommendedimprovement.

A treatment regimen is then created by selecting appropriate dual taskstimulation to stimulate the areas of the brain to be treated 3503,selecting amplification or supplementation 3504 as appropriate for thedual task stimulation, choosing appropriate treatment modalities (e.g.,light therapy, sound therapy, vibrational therapy, electrical therapy,or combinations of such modalities) either for amplification 3505(treatments including those corresponding to the tasks, activities, orneurological function) or for supplementation 3506 (treatments includingthose corresponding to the tasks, activities, or neurological function),and selecting a stimulation scale and intensity 3507 for each modalityappropriate for the treatment goals. In this example, three modalitiesare shown with different scales and intensities, localized electricalstimulation at a light intensity 3507 a, large area visual stimulationat a moderate intensity 3507 b, and small area auditory stimulation at amoderately intense intensity 3507 c. Brainwave entrainment is thenapplied using the chosen regimen, providing targeted treatment ofparticular areas of the brain and/or particular neurological functionsvia stimulation of those areas or functions using dual task stimulation.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an exemplary system architecture diagramfor targeted brainwave entrainment therapy using dual-taskingmethodologies. In this embodiment, the system architecture 3600comprises a dual task stimulation manager 3601, a neurological functiondatabase, a brainwave entrainment database, an exercise machine 3604,and three scales of transducers, localized stimulation transducers 3605,small area stimulation transducers 3606 and large area stimulationtransducers 3607.

The dual task stimulation manager 3601 is responsible for receivingneurological assessments, each comprising a neurological condition to betreated, and creating therapy regimens to treat the neurologicalcondition. The neurological assessment may be in any number of differentforms. One possible form is a report of a physician or other healthprofessional identifying a deficiency in neurological function such as acognitive or motor-physical decline associated with neurological diseaseor degradation. Another possible form is a report from a coach or othersports professional recommending an improvement in some area of trainingor physical performance. Another possible form is the results of a dualtask assessment. It is important to note that a neurological assessmentdoes not necessarily mean an assessment of a deficiency. It may notenormal function, but indicate a neurological condition for improvement.The dual task manager 3601 creates a therapy regimen based on theneurological condition by consulting the neurological database 3602 andthe brainwave entrainment database.

The neurological database 3602 is a database containing information thatassociates neurological conditions with primary tasks and associativeactivities (i.e., dual tasking tasks and their associated activities).This database may be developed from pre-existing information or may bebuilt up over time from dual task assessments. The brainwave entrainmentdatabase 3603 is a database of information about brainwave entrainmenttherapies (i.e., modalities, immersion, intensity, and stimulationfrequencies) tending to be more or less effective under certainconditions and in certain situations, including conditions andsituations associated with dual task stimulation. The brainwaveentrainment database may likewise be developed from pre-existinginformation or may be built up over time from dual task assessments.Importantly, both the neurological database 3602 and the brainwaveentrainment database may store neurological assessment data forparticular individuals over time, and use the results of theneurological assessments of each such individual to create therapyregimens for that individual. This provides concrete information aboutthe effectiveness of created therapy regimens on a given individual, andallows for future therapy regimens to be adjusted to meet the needs ofthat individual.

Once a therapy regimen is created, the dual task stimulation managerassigns dual task stimulation to the individual undergoing treatmentcomprising a primary task and an associative task. In this case theprimary task involves exercise on an exercise machine 3604, and theassociative task involves solving puzzles on a display 3605. Theexercise machine provides feedback to the dual task stimulation manager3601 as to whether the primary task is being performed, and the displayprovides feedback as to whether the associative activity is beingperformed. While the dual task stimulation is being performed, the dualtask stimulation manager sends signals to the appropriate transducers3605-3607 to operate them according to the appropriate stimulationfrequency.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Aspects

FIG. 2 is a top-down view of a variable-resistance exercise machine 100with wireless communication for smart device control and interactivesoftware applications of the invention. According to the embodiment,exercise machine 100 may comprise a stable base 101 to provide aplatform for a user to safely stand or move about upon. Exercise machine100 may further comprise right 201 a and left 201 b hand rails for auser to brace against or grip during use, to provide a stable supportfor safety as well as a mounting point for external devices such as aplurality of tethers, as described below with reference to FIG. 3. Aplurality of steps 202 a-n may be used to provide a user with a safe andeasy means to approach or dismount exercise machine 100, as well as anonmoving “staging area” where a user may stand while they configureoperation or wait for exercise machine 100 to start operation. Unliketraditional treadmill machines common in the art, exercise machine 100may be made with greater width to accommodate a wider range of freemovement of a user's entire body (whereas traditional treadmills aredesigned to best accommodate only a jogging or running posture, withminimal lateral motion), and a plurality of separate moving surfaces 203a-b may be utilized to provide multiple separate surfaces that may moveand be controlled independently of one another during use. For example,a user may move each of their legs independently without resistanceapplied, with separate moving surfaces 203 a-b moving freely underfootas a user applies pressure during their movement. This may provide theillusion of movement to a user while in reality they remain stationarywith respect to their surroundings. Another use may be multiple separatemoving surfaces 203 a-b, with separate speeds of movement or degrees ofresistance, so that as a user moves about during use they may experiencephysical feedback in the form of changing speed or resistance,indicating where they are standing or in what direction they are moving(for example, to orient a user wearing a virtual reality headset, asdescribed below with reference to FIG. 3). Moving surfaces 203 a-b maybe formed with a texture 204 to increase traction, which may improveuser safety and stability during use as well as improve the operation ofmoving surfaces 203 a-b for use in multidirectional movement (as theuser's foot is less likely to slide across a surface rather than takingpurchase and applying directional pressure to produce movement). Use ofmultiple, multidirectional moving surfaces 203 a-b may also be used invarious therapeutic or rehabilitation roles, for example to aid a userin developing balance or range of motion. For example, a user who isrecovering from an injury or surgery (such as a joint repair orreplacement surgery) may require regular physical therapy duringrecovery. Use of multidirectional moving surfaces 203 a-b along withappropriate guidance from a rehabilitation specialist or physicaltherapist (or optionally a virtual or remote coach using a softwareapplication) may make regular therapy more convenient and accessible tothe user, rather than requiring in-home care or regular visits to aclinic. For example, by enabling a therapist or coach to manually varythe movement and resistance of the moving surfaces 203 a-b, they canexamine a user's ability to overcome resistance to different movementssuch as at odd angles or across varying range of motion, to examine theuser's physical health or ability. By further varying the resistance itbecomes possible to assist the user with rehabilitation by providingtargeted resistance training to specific movements, positions, or musclegroups to assist in recovery and development of the user's abilities.

Exercise machine 100 may be designed without a control interfacecommonly utilized by exercise machines in the art, instead beingconfigured with any of a variety of wireless network interfaces such asWi-Fi or BLUETOOTH™ for connection to a user's smart device, such as asmartphone or tablet computer. When connected, a user may use a softwareapplication on their device to configure or direct the operation ofexercise machine 100, for example by manually configuring a variety ofoperation settings such as speed or resistance, or by interacting with asoftware application that automatically directs the operation ofexercise machine 100 without exposing the particular details ofoperation to a user. Additionally, communication may be bi-directional,with a smart device directing the operation of exercise machine 100 andwith exercise machine 100 providing input to a smart device based atleast in part on a user's activity or interaction. For example, a usermay interact with a game on their smart device, which directs theoperation of exercise machine 100 during play as a form of interactionwith, and feedback to, the user. For example, in a racing game, exercisemachine 100 may alter the resistance of moving surfaces 203 a-b as auser's speed changes within the game. In another example, a user may bemoving about on moving surfaces 203 a-b while playing a simulation orroleplaying game, and their movement may be provided to the connectedsmart device for use in controlling an in-game character's movement.Another example may be two-way interactive media control, wherein a usermay select media such as music for listening on their smart device, andthen while using exercise machine 100 their level of exertion (forexample, the speed at which they run or jog) may be used to provideinput to their smart device for controlling the playback of media. Forexample, if the user slows down music may be played slowly, distortingthe audio unless the user increases their pace. In this manner, exercisemachine 100 may be used interchangeably as a control and feedback deviceor both simultaneously, providing an immersive environment for a widevariety of software applications such as virtual reality, video games,fitness and health applications, or interactive media consumption.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary hardware arrangement 400 for naturaltorso tracking and feedback for electronic interaction according to apreferred embodiment of the invention, illustrating the use of multipletethers 410 a-n and a movable torso harness 420. According to theembodiment, a plurality of tethers 410 a-n may be affixed orintegrally-formed as part of a handle or railing 430, such as handlebarsfound on exercise equipment such as a treadmill, elliptical trainer,stair-climbing machine, or the like. In alternate arrangements,specifically-designed equipment with integral tethers 410 a-n may beused, but it may be appreciated that a modular design with tethers 410a-n that may be affixed and removed freely may be desirable forfacilitating use with a variety of fitness equipment or structuralelements of a building, according to a user's particular use case orcircumstance. Tethers 410 a-n may then be affixed or integrally-formedto a torso harness 420, as illustrated in the form of a belt, that maybe worn by a user such that movement of their body affects tethers 410a-n and applies stress to them in a variety of manners. It should beappreciated that while a belt design for a torso harness 420 is shownfor clarity, a variety of physical arrangements may be used such asincluding (but not limited to) a vest, a series of harness-like strapssimilar to climbing or rappelling equipment, a backpack, straps designedto be worn on a user's body underneath or in place of clothing (forexample, for use in medical settings for collecting precise data) or aplurality of specially-formed clips or attachment points that may bereadily affixed to a user's clothing. Additionally, a torso harness 420may be constructed with movable parts, for example having an inner belt421 that permits a user some degree of motion within the harness 420without restricting their movement. Movement of inner belt 421 (or othermovable portions) may be measured in a variety of ways, such as usingaccelerometers, gyroscopes, or optical sensors, and this data may beused as interaction with software applications in addition to datacollected from tethers 410 a-n as described below. In some embodiments,a saddle-like surface on which a user may sit may be used, with motionof the saddle-like surface measured as described generally herein.

As a user moves, his or her body naturally shifts position andorientation. These shifts may be detected and measured via tethers 410a-n, for example by detecting patterns of tension or strain on tethers410 a-n to indicate body orientation, or by measuring small changes instrain on tethers 410 a-n to determine more precise movements such asbody posture while a user is speaking, or specific characteristics of auser's stride or gait. Additionally, through varying the quantity andarrangement of tethers 410 a-n, more precise or specialized forms ofmovement may be detected and measured (such as, for example, using aspecific arrangement of multiple tethers connected to a particular areaof a user's body to detect extremely small movements for medicaldiagnosis or fitness coaching). This data may be used as interactionwith software applications, such as for virtual reality applications asinput for a user to control a character in a game. In such anarrangement, when a user moves, this movement may be translated to anin-game character or avatar to convey a more natural sense ofinteraction and presence. For example, in a multiplayer roleplayinggame, this may be used to facilitate nonverbal communication andrecognition between players, as their distinct mannerisms and gesturesmay be conveyed in the game through detection of natural torso positionand movement. In fitness or health applications, this data may be usedto track and monitor a user's posture or ergonomic qualities, or toassist in coaching them for specific fitness activities such as holdinga pose for yoga, stretching, or proper running form during use with atreadmill. In medical applications, this data may be used to assist indiagnosing injuries or deficiencies that may require attention, such asby detecting anomalies in movement or physiological adaptations to anunrecognized injury (such as when a user subconsciously shifts theirweight off an injured foot or knee, without consciously realizing anissue is present).

Through various arrangements of tethers 410 a-n and tether sensors (asdescribed below, referring to FIGS. 5-7), it may be possible to enable avariety of immersive ways for a user to interact with softwareapplications, as well as to receive haptic feedback from applications.For example, by detecting rotation, tension, stress, or angle of tethersa user may interact with applications such as virtual reality games orsimulations, by using natural body movements and positioning such asleaning, jumping, crouching, kneeling, turning, or shifting their weightin various directions to trigger actions within a software applicationconfigured to accept torso tracking input. By applying haptic feedbackof varying form and intensity (as is described in greater detail below,referring to FIG. 5), applications may provide physical indication to auser of software events, such as applying tension to resist movement,pulling or tugging on a tether to move or “jerk” a user in a direction,or varying feedback to multiple tethers such as tugging and releasing invarying order or sequence to simulate more complex effects such as (forexample, in a gaming use case) explosions, riding in a vehicle, orwalking through foliage.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a variety of alternate tetherarrangements. According to various use cases and hardware arrangements,tethers 410 a-n may utilize a variety of purpose-driven designs asillustrated. For example, a “stretchable” tether 510 may be used tomeasure strain during a user's movement, as the tether 510 is stretchedor compressed (for example, using piezoelectric materials and measuringelectrical changes). Such an arrangement may be suitable for precisemeasurements, but may lack the mechanical strength or durability forgross movement detection or prolonged use. An alternate construction mayutilize a non-deforming tether 520 such as a steel cable or similarnon-stretching material. Instead of measuring strain on the tether 520,instead tether 520 may be permitted a degree of movement within anenclosure 522 (for example, an attachment point on a torso harness 420or handlebar 430), and the position or movement 521 of the tether 520may be measured such as via optical sensors. In a third exemplaryarrangement, a tether 530 may be wound about an axle or pulley 531, andmay be let out when force is applied during a user's movement. Rotationof the pulley 531 may be measured, or alternately a tension device suchas a coil spring may be utilized (not shown) and the tension or strainon that device may be measured as tether 530 is extended or retracted.In this manner, it may be appreciated that a variety of mechanical meansmay be used to facilitate tethers and attachments for use in detectingand measuring natural torso position and movement, and it should beappreciated that a variety of additional or alternate hardwarearrangements may be utilized according to the embodiments disclosedherein.

Additionally, through the use of various hardware construction itbecomes possible to utilize both “passive” tethers that merely measuremovement or strain, as well as “active” tethers that may applyresistance or movement to provide haptic feedback to a user. Forexample, in an arrangement utilizing a coiled spring or pulley 531, thespring or pulley 531 may be wound to retract a tether and direct orimpede a user's movement as desired. In this manner, various new formsof feedback-based interaction become possible, and in virtual realityuse cases user engagement and immersion are increased through morenatural physical feedback during their interaction.

By applying various forms and intensities of feedback using varioustether arrangements, a variety of feedback types may be used to providehaptic output to a user in response to software events. For example,tension on a tether may be used to simulate restrained movement such aswading through water or dense foliage, walking up an inclined surface,magnetic or gravitational forces, or other forms of physical resistanceor impedance that may be simulated through directional ornon-directional tension. Tugging, retracting, or pulling on a tether maybe used to simulate sudden forces such as recoil from gunfire,explosions, being grabbed or struck by a software entity such as anobject or character, deploying a parachute, bungee jumping, sliding orfalling, or other momentary forces or events that may be conveyed with atugging or pulling sensation. By utilizing various patterns of hapticfeedback, more complex events may be communicated to a user, such asriding on horseback or in a vehicle, standing on the deck of a ship atsea, turbulence in an aircraft, weather, or other virtual events thatmay be represented using haptic feedback. In this manner, virtualenvironments and events may be made more immersive and tangible for auser, both by enabling a user to interact using natural body movementsand positioning, as well as by providing haptic feedback in a mannerthat feels natural and expected to the user. For example, if a user iscontrolling a character in a gaming application through a first-personviewpoint, it would seem natural that when their character is struckthere would be a physical sensation corresponding to the event; however,this is not possible with traditional interaction devices, detractingfrom any sense of immersion or realism for the user. By providing thisphysical sensation alongside the virtual event, the experience becomesmore engaging and users are encouraged to interact more naturally astheir actions results in natural and believable feedback, meeting theirsubconscious expectations and avoiding excessive “immersion-breaking”moments, which in turn reduces the likelihood of users adopting unusualbehaviors or unhealthy posture as a result of adapting to limitedinteraction schema.

Haptic feedback may be provided to notify a user of non-gaming events,such as for desktop notifications for email or application updates, orto provide feedback on their posture for use in fitness or healthcoaching. For example, a user may be encouraged to maintain a particularstance, pose, or posture while working or for a set length of time (forexample, for a yoga exercise application), and if their posture deviatesfrom an acceptable range, feedback is provided to remind them to adjusttheir posture. This may be used in sports, fitness, health, or ergonomicapplications that need not utilize other aspects of virtual reality andmay operate as traditional software applications on nonspecializedcomputing hardware. For example, a user at their desk may use anergonomic training application that monitors their body posturethroughout the work day and provides haptic reminders to correct poorposture as it is detected, helping the user to maintain a healthyworking posture to reduce fatigue or injuries due to poor posture (forexample, repetitive-stress injuries that may be linked to poor posturewhile working at a computer).

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an additional exemplary hardware arrangement 600for natural torso tracking and feedback for electronic interactionaccording to a preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrating theuse of angle sensors 612, 621 a-n to detect angled movement of a tether620. According to one exemplary arrangement, a tether 610 may be affixedto or passed through a rotating joint such as a ball bearing 611 orsimilar, to permit free angular movement. During movement, the angularmovement or deflection 612 of a protruding bar, rod, or tether segment613 may be measured (for example, using optical, magnetic, or othersensors) to determine the corresponding angle of tether 610. In thismanner, precise angle measurements may be collected without impedingrange of motion or introducing unnecessary mechanical complexity.

In an alternate hardware arrangement, the use of angle sensors 621 a-nenables tracking of a vertical angle of a tether 620, to detect andoptionally measure vertical movement or orientation of a user's torso.When tether 620 contacts a sensor 621 a-n, this may be registered andused to detect a general vertical movement (that is, whether the tetheris angled up or down). For more precise measurements, the specifichardware construction of a sensor 621 a-n may be varied, for exampleusing a pressure-sensing switch to detect how much force is applied anduse this measurement to determine the corresponding angle (as may bepossible given a tether 620 of known construction). It should beappreciated that various combinations of hardware may be used to providea desired method or degree of angle detection or measurement, forexample using a conductive tether 620 and a capacitive sensor 621 a-n todetect contact, or using a mechanical or rubber-dome switch (as arecommonly used in keyboard construction) to detect physical contactwithout a conductive tether 620.

The use of angle detection or measurement may expand interactionpossibilities to encompass more detailed and natural movements of auser's body. For example, if a user crouches, then all tethers 410 a-nmay detect a downward angle simultaneously. Additionally, data precisionor availability may be enhanced by combining input from multipleavailable sensors when possible (for example, utilizing adaptivesoftware to collect data from any sensors that it detects, withoutrequiring specific sensor types for operation), for example by combiningdata from tethers 410 a-n and hardware sensors such as an accelerometeror gyroscope, enabling multiple methods of achieving similar or variedtypes or precision levels of position or movement detection. Similarly,when a user jumps then all tethers may detect an upward anglesimultaneously. However, if a user leans in one direction, it may beappreciated that not all tethers 410 a-n will detect the same angle. Forexample, tethers 410 a-n in the direction the user is leaning may detecta downward angle, while those on the opposite side would detect anupward angle (due to the orientation of the user's torso and thus a worntorso harness 420). In this manner, more precise torso interaction maybe facilitated through improved detection and recognition of orientationand movement. Additionally, it may be appreciated that sensors 621 a-nmay be utilized for other angle measurements, such as to detecthorizontal angle. For example, if a user is wearing a non-rotating torsoharness 420, when they twist their body a similar stress may be appliedto all attached tethers 410 a-n. Without angle detection the precisenature of this movement will be vague, but with horizontal angledetection it becomes possible to recognize that all tethers 410 a-n arebeing strained in a similar direction (for example, in a clockwisepattern when viewed from above, as a user might view tethers 410 a-nduring use), and therefore interpret the interaction as a twistingmotion (rather than, for example, a user squatting or kneeling, whichmight apply a similar stress to the tethers 410 a-n but would havedifferent angle measurements).

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware arrangement of anapparatus for natural torso tracking and feedback for electronicinteraction according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,illustrating the use of multiple tethers 410 a-n and a movable torsoharness 420 comprising a plurality of angle sensors 701 a-n positionedwithin the movable torso harness 420. According to the embodiment, aplurality of tethers 410 a-n may be affixed or integrally-formed as partof a handle or railing 430, such as handlebars found on exerciseequipment such as a treadmill, elliptical trainer, stair-climbingmachine, or the like. In alternate arrangements, specifically-designedequipment with affixed or integral tethers 410 a-n may be used, but itmay be appreciated that a modular design with tethers 410 a-n that maybe affixed and removed freely may be desirable for facilitating use witha variety of fitness equipment or structural elements of a building,according to a user's particular use case or circumstance as well asweight-holding strength of the tethers. Tethers 410 a-n may then beaffixed or integrally-formed to angle sensors 701 a-n placed within orintegrally-formed as a component of torso harness 420 (as illustrated inthe form of a belt) that may be worn by a user such that movement oftheir body affects tethers 410 a-n and applies detectable or measurablestress to tethers 410 a-n and angular motion to angle sensors 701 a-n.In this manner, it may be appreciated that angle sensors 701 a-n may beutilized as integral or removable components of a torso harness 420, asan alternative arrangement to utilizing angle sensors 701 a-n placed orformed within railings 430 or other equipment components connected todistal ends of tethers 410 a-n (with respect to the user's torso).According to various embodiments, sensors may be placed optionally on abelt, vest, harness, or saddle-like surface or at attachment points onsafety railings, or indeed both.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary system architecture 900 of anexercise machine 100 being connected over local connections to asmartphone or computing device 930, an output device other than a phone910, and a server over a network 940. An exercise machine 100 mayconnect over a network 920, which may be the Internet, a local areaconnection, or some other network used for digital communication betweendevices, to a server 940. Such connection may allow for two-waycommunication between a server 940 and an exercise machine 800. Anexercise machine 100 may also be connected over a network 920 to asmartphone or computing device 930, or may be connected directly to asmartphone or computing device 930 either physically or wirelessly suchas with Bluetooth connections. An exercise machine 100 also may beconnected to an output device 910 which may display graphical outputfrom software executed on an exercise machine 100, including Mixed orvirtual reality software, and this device may be different from asmartphone or computing device 930 or in some implementations may infact be a smartphone or computing device 930. A remote server 940 maycontain a data store 941, and a user verification component 942, whichmay contain typical components in the art used for verifying a user'sidentity from a phone connection or device connection, such as device IDfrom a smartphone or computing device or logging in with a user's socialmedia account.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an exemplary hardware arrangement of a smartphone or computing device 1030 executing software 1010 and communicatingover a network 1020. In an exemplary smart phone or computing device1030, key components include a wireless network interface 1031, whichmay allow connection to one or a variety of wireless networks includingWi-Fi and Bluetooth; a processor 1032, which is capable of communicatingwith other physical hardware components in the computing device 1030 andrunning instructions and software as needed; system memory 1033, whichstores temporary instructions or data in volatile physical memory forrecall by the system processor 1032 during software execution; and adisplay device 1034, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen orsimilar, with which a user may visually comprehend what the computingdevice 1030 is doing and how to interact with it. It may or may not be atouch enabled display, and there may be more components in a computingdevice 1030, beyond what are crucially necessary to operate such adevice at all. Software 1010 operating on a processor 1033 may include amixed or virtual reality application, a user verification system, orother software which may communicate with a network-enabled server 1040and exercise machine 100 software for the purposes of enhanced mixed orvirtual reality.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a method of mixed or virtual realitysoftware operating to receive input through different sources, and sendoutput to devices. Mixed or virtual reality software which may be run ona phone or computing device 1030 or another device, outputs data to avisual device for the purpose of graphically showing a user what theyare doing in the software 1110. Such display may be a phone display1034, or a separate display device such as a screen built into anexercise machine 100 or connected some other way to the system, or bothdisplay devices. During software execution, user input may be receivedeither through buttons 1130 on the exercise machine 100, 1120, orthrough input from a belt-like harness 420, such as user orientation ormovements. Such received data may be sent 1140 to either a mobile smartphone or computing device 1030, or to a server 1040 over a network 1020,or both, for processing, storage, or both. Data may be stored on aserver with a data store device 1041 and may be processed for numeroususes including user verification with a user verification component1042. Data may be processed either by software running on an exercisemachine 100, a smart phone or computing device 1030, or some otherconnected device which may be running mixed or virtual reality software,when input is received from a user using either buttons on an exercisemachine 100, a belt-like harness 420, or both, and optionally usinghardware features of an exercise machine 100 such as handlebars, pedals,or other features in mixed or virtual reality software for tasks such asrepresenting movement in a simulation.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an exemplary virtual reality or mixedreality enhanced exercise machine, illustrating the use of a stationarybicycle 1700 with hand controls on the handles 1720, and a belt-likeharness attachment 420. A stationary exercise bicycle device 1700, whichmay be of any particular design including a reclining, sitting, or evenunicycle-like design, possesses two pedals 1730 as is common forstationary exercise bicycles of all designs. On handlebars of astationary exercise bicycle may exist buttons and controls 1720 forinteracting with a virtual reality or mixed reality augmented piece ofsoftware, allowing a user to press buttons in addition to or instead ofpedaling, to interact with the software. A belt-like harness attachment420 is attached via a mechanical arm 1710 to a stationary exercisebicycle 1700, which may monitor motion and movements from a user duringthe execution of virtual reality software. A mechanical arm 1710 mayhave an outer shell composed of any material, the composition of whichis not claimed, but must have hinges 1711, 1712, 1713 which allow fordynamic movement in any position a user may find themselves in, andangular sensors inside of the arm at the hinge-points 1711, 1712, 1713for measuring the movement in the joints and therefore movement of theuser. A stationary bicycle device 1700 may also have a pressure sensorin a seat 1740, the sensor itself being of no particularly novel designnecessarily, to measure pressure from a user and placement of saidpressure, to detect movements such as leaning or sitting lop-sidedrather than sitting evenly on the seat.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of another exemplary virtual reality or mixedreality enhanced exercise machine, illustrating the use of a treadmillexercise machine 100, 1800 a vest-type harness 1820 with a plurality ofpistons 1811 to provide a hardware-based torso joystick with full-bodytracking. According to this embodiment, a treadmill or other exercisemachine 100, 1800 may comprise a plurality of rigid side tails 102 for auser to grip for support as needed during use (for example, as a balanceaid or to assist getting on the machine and setting up other equipmentproperly) as well as a rigid stand or mount 104 for a user's smartphoneor other computing device, that may be used to operate a virtual realityor mixed reality software application. Exercise machine 100, 1800 mayfurther comprise a jointed arm 1810 or similar assembly that may beintegrally-formed or removably affixed to or installed upon exercisemachine 100, 1800. Arm 1810 may utilize a plurality of pistons 1811 toprovide for movement during use in order to follow the movements of auser's body, as well as to provide tension or resistance to motion whenappropriate (for example, to resist a user's movements or to providefeedback) and motion detection of a user's movement during use,according to various aspects described previously (referring to FIGS.3-7, for example) by measuring movement of a piston 1811 or arm 1810 andoptionally applying tension or resistance to piston 1811 to retardmovement of arm 1810 and constrain user movement or simulate specificforms of physical feedback. For example, if a user is moving an avatarin a virtual reality software application, when the avatar encounters anobstacle such as another avatar, object, or part of the environment,resistance may be applied to piston 1811 to prevent the user from movingfurther, so that their avatar is effectively prevented from movingthrough the obstacle and thereby facilitating the immersive experienceof a solid object in a virtual environment. Additional arms may be usedfor a user's limbs 1921 and may incorporate straps 1922 to be affixabout a user's arm, wrist, or other body part, to incorporate moredetailed movement tracking of a user's arms and/or legs rather than justtorso-based tracking. A vest-type harness 1920 may be used in place of abelt 420, to allow for more natural movement or to provide greater areaupon which to affix additional arms 1821, pistons 1811, or any of avariety of sensors, for example such as accelerometers 1822 orgyroscopes 1823 for detecting body orientation (not all optional sensorsare shown for the sake of clarity). For example, a vest 1820 may haveintegrated feedback actuators 1812 for use in first-person softwareapplications to simulate impacts or recoil, or it may incorporateheating or cooling elements to simulate different virtual environmentswhile worn. Additionally, vest 1820 may incorporate electricalconnectors 1824 for various peripheral devices such as controllers 305a-b or a headset 302, reducing the risk of tangles or injury by keepingcables short and close to the user so they cannot cause issues duringmovement or exercise.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of another exemplary virtual reality or mixedreality enhanced exercise machine, illustrating the use of a stationarybicycle This present application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.16/176,511, titled “VIRTUAL REALITY AND MIXED REALITY ENHANCED EXERCISEMACHINE”, and filed on Oct. 31, 2018, which with a vest-type harness1820 with a plurality of strain sensors 1911 and tethers 1912, accordingto an aspect of the invention. According to this embodiment, rather thana jointed arm 1810 and pistons 1811, a solid flexible arm 1910 may beused to detect user movement while positioned on a seat 1902 to useexercise machine 100, for example while the user is seated to use pedals1901 on a stationary bike or elliptical training machine. Through aplurality of strain gauges 1911 that detect the flexion or extension ofthe solid arm. Tethers 1912 may be used for either movement tracking orproviding feedback to a user, or both, and may optionally be connectedor routed through joints or interconnects 1913 to allow for a greatervariety of attachment options as well more precise feedback (forexample, by enabling multiple angles from which a tether 1912 may applyforce, to precisely simulate different effects). Additional arms may beused for a user's limbs 1921 and may incorporate straps 1922 to be affixabout a user's arm, wrist, or other body part, to incorporate moredetailed movement tracking of a user's arms and/or legs rather than justtorso-based tracking. Additional arms 1921 may also incorporateadditional tethers 1912 and strain sensors 1911 to track movement andapply feedback to specific body parts during use, further increasingprecision and user immersion. A vest-type harness 1820 may be used inplace of a belt 420, to allow for more natural movement or to providegreater area upon which to affix additional arms 1921, tether 1912, orany of a variety of sensors, for example such as accelerometers orgyroscopes for detecting body orientation (not all optional sensors areshown for the sake of clarity). For example, a vest 1820 may haveintegrated feedback actuators for use in first-person softwareapplications to simulate impacts or recoil, or it may incorporateheating or cooling elements to simulate different virtual environmentswhile worn. Additionally, vest 1820 may incorporate electricalconnectors 1914 for various peripheral devices such as controllers 305a-b or a headset 302, reducing the risk of tangles or injury by keepingcables short and close to the user so they cannot cause issues duringmovement or exercise.

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method 2000 foroperating a virtual and mixed-reality enhanced exercise machine,according to one aspect. According to the aspect, a user may wear 2001 atorso harness such as a belt 420 or vest 1820 harness, while they engagein the use 2002 of an exercise machine 100. While using the exercisemachine 100, the user's movements may be detected and measured 2003through the use of a plurality of body movement sensors such as (forexample, including but not limited to) strain sensors 1911, tethers 410a-c, 1912, pistons 1811, or optical sensors 1201 a-n. These measureduser movements may then be mapped by a composition server 801 tocorrespond to a plurality of movement inputs of a virtual joystickdevice 2004. These virtual joystick inputs may then be transmitted 2005to a software application, for example a virtual reality or mixedreality application operating on a user device such as (for example,including but not limited to) a smartphone 930, personal computingdevice, or headset 302. Composition server 801 may then receive feedbackfrom the software application 2006, and may direct the operation of aplurality of feedback devices such as tethers 410 a-c, 1912 or pistons1811 to resist or direct the user's movement 2007 to provide physicalfeedback to the user based on the received software feedback.

FIG. 21 is a system diagram of a key components in the analysis of auser's range of motion and balance training. A datastore containingstatistical data 2110 on a user's age category, gender, and otherdemographic data, as well as a datastore containing balancing algorithms2120, are connected to a collection of components integrated into anexercise system 2130, including a plurality of sensors 2131, a movementprofile analyzer 2132, a balance trainer 2133, and a tuner 2134. Aplurality of sensors 2131 may be connected to varying parts of anexercise system, tethered to a user, or otherwise connected to or ableto sense a user during exercise, and may inform a movement profileanalyzer 2132 of the performance of a user's exercise during suchexercise. A movement profile analyzer 2132 may use data from a datastorecontaining statistical data on a user 2110 to generate movement profileof how a user performs and moves during exercise, in comparison with howthey may be expected to move, and pass this data on to a balance trainer2133 which is further connected to a datastore containing balancealgorithms 2120. A balance trainer 2133 accesses and utilizes balancealgorithms 2120 in conjunction with assembled movement profile data 2132and determines if a user is in need of correcting their form or balanceduring exercise. A tuner 2134 is connected to a datastore containinguser profile data 2150 and also connected to a balance tuner 2133,enabling a user's individual preferences or specifications, or exerciseneeds, to inform adjustments for a balance trainer 2133, for example ifa user would initially be detected as stumbling by a balance trainer2133 but the user were to specify that they are not falling, andcontinue to exercise in this fashion for whatever reason (such asphysical limitations), a tuner 2134 may adjust the balance trainer 2133in this instance. Such information is stored in a user's profile data2150. A display 2140 is connected to core components 2130 and maydisplay the warnings generated by a balance trainer 2133 or offer a userthe opportunity to offer adjustments or physical information to a tuner2134 for adjusting a balance trainer 2133.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a system for balance measurement and falldetection. A classic problem in control system theory is controlling aninverted pendulum such that it balances vertically without falling down.On the right side of the diagram is a drawing of the inverted pendulumproblem in which a pendulum (a rod having some length, l, and some mass,m) 2261 is attached to a movable platform 2262. Sensors 2264 on theplatform 2262 detect at least the angle, θ, 2266 of the pendulum 2261from vertical, and may also be configured to detect or calculate therate of change of the angle 2266, the acceleration of the platform 2262,and other variables. As the pendulum 2261 falls away from vertical dueto the force of gravity, g, 2263, a control mechanism such as aproportional, integral, differential (PID) controller may calculate andapply a force F 2265 to the platform 2262 sufficient to swing thependulum 2261 back to vertical against the force of gravity 2262.

A similar system may be used to measure balance and detect and predictfalls by a person with impaired balance abilities. A user 2210 may weara sensor and electronics package 2131, on the torso. The sensor andelectronics package 2131 may be simply a collection of sensors (e.g.accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.) configured to transmit data to anexternal computing device, or the sensor and electronics package 2131may itself have a computing device. The user's body mass, m, can beentered manually or obtained from a wireless scale capable ofcommunicating wirelessly with the sensor and electronics package 2131.As the user's torso moves from the vertical position 2220, the anglefrom vertical and rate of change of the angle, θ″, 2230 from verticalcan be measured, tracked, and used to make predictions about thelikelihood of a fall. Angular momentum 2230 may be represented by B″2230, a user's angle deviation from vertical being represented by B2220, the force of gravity being represented by g 2240, and theapproximate height of a user's body-part acting similar to the bar of aninverted pendulum being represented by L 2250. The data obtained fromthe sensors and electronics package 2131 may be used in conjunction withvarious algorithms (e.g. a PID controller) and the user's historical ormanually-entered movement ability to determine when the rate of fall islikely to exceed the user's ability to accelerate toward the directionof fall fast enough to right the torso. It is therefore possible toanalyze and characterize a user's motions that may lead to a stumble orfall.

FIG. 23 is a system diagram of a sensor measuring the range of motion ofa user during a specific exercise. A user performing an exercise withtheir leg is shown, with a sensor 2131 and angular movement 2310. Asensor 2131 may be used to characterize the angle of the user's motion,or be attached as an ankle weight for a more specific implementation(but by no means the only implementation of this process of using asensor to measure an individual user's body parts during exercise), toachieve more information about user form in addition to or instead ofusing an inverted pendulum 2220 with a sensor 2131 inside.

FIG. 24 is a method diagram illustrating behavior and performance of keycomponents for range of motion analysis and balance training. A user'smovements may first be detected on or with an exercise machine, using aplurality of sensors 2131, 2410. Given a user's movements 2410,statistical data on a user's demographics may be gathered 2420 using adatastore containing such information 2110, to compare a user'smovements with expected or anticipated norms based on acquired ordefault statistical data. A user's profile data 2150 may then beaccessed 2430, and using a user's profile data 2150 which may containindividual preferences or information beyond statistical norms 2110 orsensor-acquired exercise data 2131, analyses of a user's range of motionmay occur 2440. Such analyses may include examining differences betweena user's expected motion during an exercise, with their actual motion,measuring individual, anomalous movements during a user's exercise (suchas a single motion that does not match with the rest of the user'smovements), and other techniques to analyze anomalies in a user'sdisplayed exercise ability. A user's profile is also generated fromthese analyses 2440, allowing a history of a user's exercise performanceto be recorded for future analysis and for comparison with futureobserved exercise patterns and performance. A user's profile andexercise performance, along with any other notes, may be displayed 2450with a graphical or textual display 2140, allowing a user to see forthemselves their performance and deficiencies as determined by thesystem. A further step may be to detect if a user is detect to be likelyto fall or stumble 2460, such as if a leg movement is not proper for arunning motion on a treadmill, and display or sound a warning to a user2470 using a display 2140 or any other method that may be available tothe physical activity data capture device for warning a user of possibleinjury or failure. These warnings may further be recorded in a userprofile 2150 for access by a tuner 2134 and balance trainer 2133 to helpthe user be aware of patterns of exercise performance that may lead tosimilar incidents in the future, before they happen, thereby helping toensure safety of physically at-risk exercise machine users.

FIG. 31 is an exemplary human/machine interface and support system forusing body movements to interface with embedded or external computerswhile engaging in exercise. In this embodiment, an exercise machine 3110is placed inside a frame 3120 which contains components for sensing themovement of an individual, providing haptic feedback, and providingsupport in case of a fall. In this embodiment, the exercise machine 3110is depicted as a stationary bicycle, although any type of exercisemachine 3110 (e.g., treadmill, stair-stepper, rowing machine,weight-lifting machines, etc.) may be used. The exercise machine 3110may contain or be in communication with an embedded or external computerthat communicates with other components of the system, although in someembodiments, the exercise machine 3110 is not communicatively coupledwith other components. In some embodiments, no exercise machine 3110 atall is used, and the individual may freely engage in exercise or otherphysical movement such as running in place, jumping, dancing, liftingbarbells or free weights, etc. The frame 3120 comprises a base 3121 andone or more vertical supports 3122 a,b. Mounted to a point on thevertical supports are one or more pulleys or routing devices 3125 a,b,which guide one or more tethers 3124 a,b at a height above the waistlevel of the individual during exercise. The tethers 3124 a,b areattached at one end to a belt, harness, vest, or other device 3126attachable to the body of the individual, and at the other end tosensors/actuators 3123 a,b. In this embodiment, the sensors/actuators3126 a,b are electric motors fitted with rotary encoders and the tethers3124 a,b are wound around a drum on the shaft of the motors. In thisway, body movements of the individual may be sensed and recorded asrotational movements of the drum, and rotational movement data may besent to a computing device which can perform calculations to determineposition, distance of movement, speed of movement, acceleration, andother such calculations. For example, the linear distance of movementmay be calculated from the number of rotations and the circumference ofthe drum. Linear speed may be calculated as the linear distance overtime. The position of the individual may be calculated from speed anddistance. The rotational movement, linear distance, linear speed, orother calculations may be used to control the computing device or theoutput from a computing device such as a game, virtual realityenvironment, etc. Further, the motors of the sensors/actuators 3123 a,bmay also act as actuators, and varying voltages and currents may beapplied to the motors to provide haptic feedback to the individual, suchas resistance to movement, jerking, or vibration. This haptic feedbackmay be provided in response to interactions with the computer, such asto indicate game events, interactions with the virtual realityenvironment, etc. In one aspect, the belt 3126, tethers 3124 a,b, andsensors/actuators 3123 a,b, may be used to support the individual incase of a slip or fall. Such support may be provided passively (e.g., afixed resistance provided by the motors), actively (e.g., by sensing anacceleration and applying a resistance to the tethers), or by mechanicalmeans (e.g., seatbelt-type mechanical locking mechanism that locks thetether upon a sudden pull). Other embodiments may use additionalvertical supports 3122 a,b, tethers, 3124 a,b, and sensors/actuators3123 a,b. For example, some embodiments may have vertical supports 3122a,b and associated equipment at the front and back, and at the left andright sides of the individual. Many other configurations are possible.

FIG. 32 is an exemplary method for application of the system to improvethe performance of a sports team. In a first step, an ideal neurologicalfunctioning profile for each player position in a given sport ispredicted by experts in the sport (e.g., coaches, trainers, athletes,sports bettors, etc.) for maximization of performance for that positionin that sport 3201. Then, dual task assessments are performed forathletes from a variety of positions that play the sport 3202. Based onthe neurological condition profile generated by the testing, performanceand/or play strategy recommendations are made for performanceimprovements for that player for that position 3203. Performance of theathletes during actual play is evaluated by the experts in the sport3204. The evaluation feedback from the experts is provided back to step3201, and athletes are retested at step 3202. All of these steps may beperformed repeatedly to continuously refine input and recommendations.In some embodiments, dual task assessments at step 3202 may bespecifically selected to condition or train the aspects of neurologicalfunctioning determined to be ideal at step 3201 (i.e., step 3202 a canbe both a conditioning/training step and an evaluation step).

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the use of duty cycles and pulse widthmodulations in applying brainwave entrainment. Here, three examples3710, 3720, and 3730 of duty cycles/pulse width modulation are shown.The frequency of stimulation 3702 in all three examples is 40 Hz (40cycles per second), and the wave form of each example is a rectangularwave (i.e., instantaneous or near-instantaneous changes between on andoff states). Three periods 3701 a-c of the stimulation at the 40 Hzfrequency 3702 are shown, each period corresponding to one full on/offcycle lasting 1/40^(th) of one second. In Example 1 3710, a duty cycleof 50% is shown in which the stimulation is in an on state 3711 for 50%of the period and in an off state 3712 for 50% of the period. For a 40Hz frequency as shown here, this corresponds to a pulse width of1/80^(th) of a second, wherein the stimulation is in an on state 3711for 1/80^(th) of a second and in an off state 3712 for 1/80^(th) of asecond. In Example 2 3720, a duty cycle of 25% is shown in which thestimulation is in an on state 3721 for 25% of the period and in an offstate 3722 for 75% of the period. For a 40 Hz frequency as shown here,this corresponds to a pulse width of 1/160^(th) of a second, wherein thestimulation is in an on state 3721 for 1/160^(th) of a second and in anoff state 3722 for 3/160^(th) of a second. In Example 3 3730, a dutycycle of 75% is shown in which the stimulation is in an on state 3731for 75% of the period and in an off state 3732 for 25% of the period.For a 40 Hz frequency as shown here, this corresponds to a pulse widthof 3/160^(th) of a second, wherein the stimulation is in an on state3731 for 3/160^(th) of a second and in an off state 3732 for 1/160^(th)of a second.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which on-screen elementsof a display are used to apply brainwave entrainment. In this example,brainwave entrainment is implemented using a display 3810, such as atelevision computer monitor, or tablet-based device, comprising a screen3811 and in some configurations, built in speakers 3831 a,b. In thisembodiment, the screen is used to provide visual brainwave entrainment,either by flashing the background of the screen 3812 or one or moreon-screen elements 3820. This embodiment enables the provision ofbrainwave entrainment without the use of (or in addition to) externaldevices such as lights and speakers. In this example, five on-screenelements are shown 3821-3825, each comprising a different shape and eachmoving independently on the screen 3811 as indicated by the dashed anddotted “movement shadows” associated with each on-screen element. Theon-screen elements 3821-3825 are generic shapes in this diagram, but mayrepresent any type of on-screen element whether static or movable,permanent or transient. Depending on the configuration, the on-screenelement may be any shape or color displayable on a screen, such as gameelements, puzzle elements, background elements, regular or irregularportions of the screen. Many possible applications of this embodimentare possible. The built-in speakers, if any, may be used to provideauditory brainwave entrainment in addition to the visual on-screenbrainwave entrainment.

For example, when paired with a camera and eye-tracking software, theon-screen elements might represent an eye muscle strengthening exercisecombined with brainwave entrainment, wherein the user is asked to find atarget on-screen element with a particular shape and follow the shapewith his or her eyes. At the same time the target element may flash aparticular color at a selected brainwave entrainment frequency, with thecolor changing as the user's eyes either follow the target on-screenelement or stray from it. The target on-screen element may, for example,be a pleasant light-blue color while the user's eyes are following it,and change to a bright red to re-attract the user if the user's eyesstart following a different on-screen element.

In another use case, the on-screen elements 3820 may represent a puzzleor game, and the brainwave entrainment may be provided by simplyflashing the screen background 3812 at a selected brainwave entrainmentfrequency.

While not shown here, this example may be extended to virtual realityapplications, wherein brainwave entrainment is provided by flashingin-game elements within the virtual reality environment.

Hardware Architecture

Generally, the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented onhardware or a combination of software and hardware. For example, theymay be implemented in an operating system kernel, in a separate userprocess, in a library package bound into network applications, on aspecially constructed machine, on an application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), or on a network interface card.

Software/hardware hybrid implementations of at least some of theembodiments disclosed herein may be implemented on a programmablenetwork-resident machine (which should be understood to includeintermittently connected network-aware machines) selectively activatedor reconfigured by a computer program stored in memory. Such networkdevices may have multiple network interfaces that may be configured ordesigned to utilize different types of network communication protocols.A general architecture for some of these machines may be describedherein in order to illustrate one or more exemplary means by which agiven unit of functionality may be implemented. According to specificembodiments, at least some of the features or functionalities of thevarious embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented on one or moregeneral-purpose computers associated with one or more networks, such asfor example an end-user computer system, a client computer, a networkserver or other server system, a mobile computing device (e.g., tabletcomputing device, mobile phone, smartphone, laptop, or other appropriatecomputing device), a consumer electronic device, a music player, or anyother suitable electronic device, router, switch, or other suitabledevice, or any combination thereof. In at least some embodiments, atleast some of the features or functionalities of the various embodimentsdisclosed herein may be implemented in one or more virtualized computingenvironments (e.g., network computing clouds, virtual machines hosted onone or more physical computing machines, or other appropriate virtualenvironments).

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown a block diagram depicting anexemplary computing device 10 suitable for implementing at least aportion of the features or functionalities disclosed herein. Computingdevice 10 may be, for example, any one of the computing machines listedin the previous paragraph, or indeed any other electronic device capableof executing software- or hardware-based instructions according to oneor more programs stored in memory. Computing device 10 may be configuredto communicate with a plurality of other computing devices, such asclients or servers, over communications networks such as a wide areanetwork a metropolitan area network, a local area network, a wirelessnetwork, the Internet, or any other network, using known protocols forsuch communication, whether wireless or wired.

In one embodiment, computing device 10 includes one or more centralprocessing units (CPU) 12, one or more interfaces 15, and one or morebusses 14 (such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus). Whenacting under the control of appropriate software or firmware, CPU 12 maybe responsible for implementing specific functions associated with thefunctions of a specifically configured computing device or machine. Forexample, in at least one embodiment, a computing device 10 may beconfigured or designed to function as a server system utilizing CPU 12,local memory 11 and/or remote memory 16, and interface(s) 15. In atleast one embodiment, CPU 12 may be caused to perform one or more of thedifferent types of functions and/or operations under the control ofsoftware modules or components, which for example, may include anoperating system and any appropriate applications software, drivers, andthe like.

CPU 12 may include one or more processors 13 such as, for example, aprocessor from one of the Intel, ARM, Qualcomm, and AMD families ofmicroprocessors. In some embodiments, processors 13 may includespecially designed hardware such as application-specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories(EEPROMs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and so forth, forcontrolling operations of computing device 10. In a specific embodiment,a local memory 11 (such as non-volatile random access memory (RAM)and/or read-only memory (ROM), including for example one or more levelsof cached memory) may also form part of CPU 12. However, there are manydifferent ways in which memory may be coupled to system 10. Memory 11may be used for a variety of purposes such as, for example, cachingand/or storing data, programming instructions, and the like. It shouldbe further appreciated that CPU 12 may be one of a variety ofsystem-on-a-chip (SOC) type hardware that may include additionalhardware such as memory or graphics processing chips, such as a QUALCOMMSNAPDRAGON™ or SAMSUNG EXYNOS™ CPU as are becoming increasingly commonin the art, such as for use in mobile devices or integrated devices.

As used herein, the term “processor” is not limited merely to thoseintegrated circuits referred to in the art as a processor, a mobileprocessor, or a microprocessor, but broadly refers to a microcontroller,a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller, anapplication-specific integrated circuit, and any other programmablecircuit.

In one embodiment, interfaces 15 are provided as network interface cards(NICs). Generally, NICs control the sending and receiving of datapackets over a computer network; other types of interfaces 15 may forexample support other peripherals used with computing device 10. Amongthe interfaces that may be provided are Ethernet interfaces, frame relayinterfaces, cable interfaces, DSL interfaces, token ring interfaces,graphics interfaces, and the like. In addition, various types ofinterfaces may be provided such as, for example, universal serial bus(USB), Serial, Ethernet, FIREWIRE™, THUNDERBOLT™, PCI, parallel, radiofrequency (RE), BLUETOOTH™, near-field communications (e.g., usingnear-field magnetics), 802.11 (WiFi), frame relay, TCP/IP, ISDN, fastEthernet interfaces, Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, Serial ATA (SATA) orexternal SATA (ESATA) interfaces, high-definition multimedia interface(HDMI), digital visual interface (DVI), analog or digital audiointerfaces, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) interfaces, high-speedserial interface (HSSI) interfaces, Point of Sale (POS) interfaces,fiber data distributed interfaces (FDDIs), and the like. Generally, suchinterfaces 15 may include physical ports appropriate for communicationwith appropriate media. In some cases, they may also include anindependent processor (such as a dedicated audio or video processor, asis common in the art for high-fidelity A/V hardware interfaces) and, insome instances, volatile and/or non-volatile memory (e.g., RAM).

Although the system shown in FIG. 13 illustrates one specificarchitecture for a computing device 10 for implementing one or more ofthe inventions described herein, it is by no means the only devicearchitecture on which at least a portion of the features and techniquesdescribed herein may be implemented. For example, architectures havingone or any number of processors 13 may be used, and such processors 13may be present in a single device or distributed among any number ofdevices. In one embodiment, a single processor 13 handles communicationsas well as routing computations, while in other embodiments a separatededicated communications processor may be provided. In variousembodiments, different types of features or functionalities may beimplemented in a system according to the invention that includes aclient device (such as a tablet device or smartphone running clientsoftware) and server systems (such as a server system described in moredetail below).

Regardless of network device configuration, the system of the presentinvention may employ one or more memories or memory modules (such as,for example, remote memory block 16 and local memory 11) configured tostore data, program instructions for the general-purpose networkoperations, or other information relating to the functionality of theembodiments described herein (or any combinations of the above). Programinstructions may control execution of or comprise an operating systemand/or one or more applications, for example. Memory 16 or memories 11,16 may also be configured to store data structures, configuration data,encryption data, historical system operations information, or any otherspecific or generic non-program information described herein.

Because such information and program instructions may be employed toimplement one or more systems or methods described herein, at least somenetwork device embodiments may include nontransitory machine-readablestorage media, which, for example, may be configured or designed tostore program instructions, state information, and the like forperforming various operations described herein. Examples of suchnontransitory machine-readable storage media include, but are notlimited to, magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, andmagnetic tape; optical media such as CD-ROM disks; magneto-optical mediasuch as optical disks, and hardware devices that are speciallyconfigured to store and perform program instructions, such as read-onlymemory devices (ROM), flash memory (as is common in mobile devices andintegrated systems), solid state drives (SSD) and “hybrid SSD” storagedrives that may combine physical components of solid state and hard diskdrives in a single hardware device (as are becoming increasingly commonin the art with regard to personal computers), memristor memory, randomaccess memory (RAM), and the like. It should be appreciated that suchstorage means may be integral and non-removable (such as RAM hardwaremodules that may be soldered onto a motherboard or otherwise integratedinto an electronic device), or they may be removable such as swappableflash memory modules (such as “thumb drives” or other removable mediadesigned for rapidly exchanging physical storage devices),“hot-swappable” hard disk drives or solid state drives, removableoptical storage discs, or other such removable media, and that suchintegral and removable storage media may be utilized interchangeably.Examples of program instructions include both object code, such as maybe produced by a compiler, machine code, such as may be produced by anassembler or a linker, byte code, such as may be generated by forexample a JAVA™ compiler and may be executed using a Java virtualmachine or equivalent, or files containing higher level code that may beexecuted by the computer using an interpreter (for example, scriptswritten in Python, Perl, Ruby, Groovy, or any other scripting language).

In some embodiments, systems according to the present invention may beimplemented on a standalone computing system. Referring now to FIG. 14,there is shown a block diagram depicting a typical exemplaryarchitecture of one or more embodiments or components thereof on astandalone computing system. Computing device 20 includes processors 21that may run software that carry out one or more functions orapplications of embodiments of the invention, such as for example aclient application 24. Processors 21 may carry out computinginstructions under control of an operating system 22 such as, forexample, a version of MICROSOFT WINDOWS™ operating system, APPLE MACOS™or iOS™ operating systems, some variety of the Linux operating system,ANDROID™ operating system, or the like. In many cases, one or moreshared services 23 may be operable in system 20, and may be useful forproviding common services to client applications 24. Services 23 may forexample be WINDOWS™ services, user-space common services in a Linuxenvironment, or any other type of common service architecture used withoperating system 21. Input devices 28 may be of any type suitable forreceiving user input, including for example a keyboard, touchscreen,microphone (for example, for voice input), mouse, touchpad, trackball,or any combination thereof. Output devices 27 may be of any typesuitable for providing output to one or more users, whether remote orlocal to system 20, and may include for example one or more screens forvisual output, speakers, printers, or any combination thereof. Memory 25may be random-access memory having any structure and architecture knownin the art, for use by processors 21, for example to run software.Storage devices 26 may be any magnetic, optical, mechanical, memristor,or electrical storage device for storage of data in digital form (suchas those described above, referring to FIG. 13). Examples of storagedevices 26 include flash memory, magnetic hard drive, CD-ROM, and/or thelike.

In some embodiments, systems of the present invention may be implementedon a distributed computing network, such as one having any number ofclients and/or servers. Referring now to FIG. 15, there is shown a blockdiagram depicting an exemplary architecture 30 for implementing at leasta portion of a system according to an embodiment of the invention on adistributed computing network. According to the embodiment, any numberof clients 33 may be provided. Each client 33 may run software forimplementing client-side portions of the present invention; clients maycomprise a system 20 such as that illustrated in FIG. 14. In addition,any number of servers 32 may be provided for handling requests receivedfrom one or more clients 33. Clients 33 and servers 32 may communicatewith one another via one or more electronic networks 31, which may be invarious embodiments any of the Internet, a wide area network, a mobiletelephony network (such as CDMA or GSM cellular networks), a wirelessnetwork (such as WiFi, WiMAX, LTE, and so forth), or a local areanetwork (or indeed any network topology known in the art; the inventiondoes not prefer any one network topology over any other). Networks 31may be implemented using any known network protocols, including forexample wired and/or wireless protocols.

In addition, in some embodiments, servers 32 may call external services37 when needed to obtain additional information, or to refer toadditional data concerning a particular call. Communications withexternal services 37 may take place, for example, via one or morenetworks 31. In various embodiments, external services 37 may compriseweb-enabled services or functionality related to or installed on thehardware device itself. For example, in an embodiment where clientapplications 24 are implemented on a smartphone or other electronicdevice, client applications 24 may obtain information stored in a serversystem 32 in the cloud or on an external service 37 deployed on one ormore of a particular enterprise's or user's premises.

In some embodiments of the invention, clients 33 or servers 32 (or both)may make use of one or more specialized services or appliances that maybe deployed locally or remotely across one or more networks 31. Forexample, one or more databases 34 may be used or referred to by one ormore embodiments of the invention. It should be understood by one havingordinary skill in the art that databases 34 may be arranged in a widevariety of architectures and using a wide variety of data access andmanipulation means. For example, in various embodiments one or moredatabases 34 may comprise a relational database system using astructured query language (SQL), while others may comprise analternative data storage technology such as those referred to in the artas “NoSQL” (for example, HADOOP CASSANDRA™, GOOGLE BIGTABLE™, and soforth). In some embodiments, variant database architectures such ascolumn-oriented databases, in-memory databases, clustered databases,distributed databases, or even flat file data repositories may be usedaccording to the invention. It will be appreciated by one havingordinary skill in the art that any combination of known or futuredatabase technologies may be used as appropriate, unless a specificdatabase technology or a specific arrangement of components is specifiedfor a particular embodiment herein. Moreover, it should be appreciatedthat the term “database” as used herein may refer to a physical databasemachine, a cluster of machines acting as a single database system, or alogical database within an overall database management system. Unless aspecific meaning is specified for a given use of the term “database”, itshould be construed to mean any of these senses of the word, all ofwhich are understood as a plain meaning of the term “database” by thosehaving ordinary skill in the art.

Similarly, most embodiments of the invention may make use of one or moresecurity systems 36 and configuration systems 35. Security andconfiguration management are common information technology (IT) and webfunctions, and some amount of each are generally associated with any ITor web systems. It should be understood by one having ordinary skill inthe art that any configuration or security subsystems known in the artnow or in the future may be used in conjunction with embodiments of theinvention without limitation, unless a specific security 36 orconfiguration system 35 or approach is specifically required by thedescription of any specific embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary overview of a computer system 40 as may beused in any of the various locations throughout the system. It isexemplary of any computer that may execute code to process data. Variousmodifications and changes may be made to computer system 40 withoutdeparting from the broader scope of the system and method disclosedherein. Central processor unit (CPU) 41 is connected to bus 42, to whichbus is also connected memory 43, nonvolatile memory 44, display 47,input/output (I/O) unit 48, and network interface card (NIC) 53. I/Ounit 48 may, typically, be connected to keyboard 49, pointing device 50,hard disk 52, and real-time clock 51. NIC 53 connects to network 54,which may be the Internet or a local network, which local network may ormay not have connections to the Internet. Also shown as part of system40 is power supply unit 45 connected, in this example, to a mainalternating current (AC) supply 46. Not shown are batteries that couldbe present, and many other devices and modifications that are well knownbut are not applicable to the specific novel functions of the currentsystem and method disclosed herein. It should be appreciated that someor all components illustrated may be combined, such as in variousintegrated applications, for example Qualcomm or Samsungsystem-on-a-chip (SOC) devices, or whenever it may be appropriate tocombine multiple capabilities or functions into a single hardware device(for instance, in mobile devices such as smartphones, video gameconsoles, in-vehicle computer systems such as navigation or multimediasystems in automobiles, or other integrated hardware devices).

In various embodiments, functionality for implementing systems ormethods of the present invention may be distributed among any number ofclient and/or server components. For example, various software modulesmay be implemented for performing various functions in connection withthe present invention, and such modules may be variously implemented torun on server and/or client components.

The skilled person will be aware of a range of possible modifications ofthe various embodiments described above. Accordingly, the presentinvention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for targeted neurological therapy,comprising: a computing device comprising a memory, a processor, and anon-volatile data storage device; a neurological database stored on thenon-volatile data storage device, the neurological database comprisinginformation about neurological functions, or states, or both, and theirassociations with primary tasks, or associative activities, or both; astimulation transducer; and a software application, comprising a firstplurality of programming instructions stored in the memory and operatingon the processor, wherein the first plurality of programminginstructions, when operating on the processor, causes the computingdevice to: receive a neurological assessment for an individualcomprising a neurological condition of the individual; select a primarytask from the neurological database associated with the neurologicalcondition; select an associative activity from the neurological databaseassociated with the neurological condition; assign a dual taskstimulation for the individual to perform, the dual task stimulationcomprising the primary task and the associative activity; select abrainwave entrainment therapy for application while the individual isengaged in the dual task stimulation, the therapy comprising astimulation frequency; and apply the brainwave entrainment therapy byoperating the stimulation transducer at the stimulation frequency whilethe individual is engaged in the dual task stimulation.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the primary task is physical exercise and the systemfurther comprises an exercise machine on which the primary task isperformed.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the stimulation transduceris a transducer configured to provide either visual, auditory,vibratory, or electrical stimulation.
 4. The system of claim 2, whereinthe brainwave entrainment therapy comprises operating the stimulationtransducer to provide either visual, auditory, vibratory, or electricalstimulation at a stimulation frequency between 0.5 Hz and 100 Hz.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, comprising a plurality of transducers wherein atleast two transducers are of different modalities, and wherein thebrainwave entrainment therapy comprises operation of transducers of atleast two different modalities.
 6. The system of claim 1, comprising aplurality of transducers wherein at least two transducers are ofdifferent scales, and wherein the brainwave entrainment therapycomprises operation of transducers of at least two different scales. 7.The system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of transducers wherein atleast two transducers are of different modalities and at least twotransducers are of different scales, and wherein the brainwaveentrainment therapy comprises operation of transducers of at least twodifferent modalities and of at least two different scales.
 8. The systemof claim 1, comprising a plurality of transducers, wherein the brainwaveentrainment therapy comprises operation of at least two transducers atdifferent stimulation frequencies.
 9. A method for targeted neurologicaltherapy, comprising the steps of: receiving a neurological assessmentfor an individual comprising a neurological condition of the individual;selecting a primary task from a neurological database associated withthe neurological condition, the neurological database comprisinginformation about neurological functions, or states, or both, and theirassociations with primary tasks, or associative activities, or both;selecting an associative activity from a neurological databaseassociated with the neurological condition; assigning a dual taskstimulation for the individual to perform, the dual task stimulationcomprising the primary task and the associative activity; selecting abrainwave entrainment therapy for application while the individual isengaged in the dual task stimulation, the therapy comprising astimulation frequency; and applying the brainwave entrainment therapy byoperating the stimulation transducer at the stimulation frequency whilethe individual is engaged in the dual task stimulation.
 10. The methodof claim 9, wherein the primary task is physical exercise and furthercomprising the step of having the individual perform the physicalexercise on an exercise machine.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein thestimulation transducer is a transducer configured to provide eithervisual, auditory, vibratory, or electrical stimulation.
 12. The systemof claim 10, wherein the brainwave entrainment therapy comprisesoperating the stimulation transducer to provide either visual, auditory,vibratory, or electrical stimulation at a stimulation frequency between0.5 Hz and 100 Hz.
 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising thestep of applying the brainwave entrainment therapy using a plurality oftransducers wherein at least two transducers are of differentmodalities.
 14. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step ofapplying the brainwave entrainment therapy using a plurality oftransducers wherein at least two transducers are of different scales.15. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of applying thebrainwave entrainment therapy using a plurality of transducers whereinat least two transducers are of different modalities and at least twotransducers are of different scales.
 16. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising the step of applying the brainwave entrainment therapy usinga plurality of transducers, wherein at least two transducers areoperated at different stimulation frequencies.